The Bears' edge rusher battle doesn't inspire much confidence
The Bears have many new additions on both sides of the ball, but not every position received a huge upgrade. After sporting the worst record in the NFL in 2022, it was unrealistic to expect every position to be addressed in one offseason. However, there is one position that is still a glaring need and […]
The Bears have many new additions on both sides of the ball, but not every position received a huge upgrade.
After sporting the worst record in the NFL in 2022, it was unrealistic to expect every position to be addressed in one offseason. However, there is one position that is still a glaring need and that could come back to bite the Bears.
One side of the defensive line is much weaker than the other.
No team in the NFL collected fewer sacks than the Bears did in 2022. What additions were made to address this?
Well, veteran DeMarcus Walker was brought in to man one edge spot. Walker is coming off of his best season where he collected 32 tackles and seven sacks as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Walker is a fine rotational piece, but probably shouldn't be relied upon as a starter.
At the other edge spot, things are even shakier. Former fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson is currently listed as the starter. Gipson had a promising 2021 season in which he collected seven sacks. The team was hoping this would lead to an even bigger 2022, but Gipson collected just three sacks.
Another option is 2022 fifth-round pick Dominique Robinson. Robinson collected 1.5 sacks and 30 tackles as a rookie while starting in seven games. Robinson is planning to workout with former sack artist Robert Mathis this offseason, so the young edge rusher could learn a trick or two.
With a strong summer showing, it is reasonable to believe that either guy could win the starting spot. Robinson has the youth and untapped potential and Gipson has a spotty track record of success.
The Bears did add defensive tackles Andrew Billings and rookies Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. While primarily known as run-stuffers, both Dexter and Pickens occasionally rushed the passer in college. While I don't expect the Bears to finish last in sacks again, I don't expect them to be anywhere near the top of the list either.
Can Gipson or Robinson show enough to earn the starting gig? Or will an outside addition be added before Week 1?
Featured image via © Bob Breidenbach | 2022 Oct 25
