A defense going backwards

Since their last meaningful snap, the Bears have subtracted more from the defense than they added. Week 1 arrives with the unit unsettled.

“Since the last time they played a meaningful snap, the Bears have lost more on defense than they've gained.”

The interceptions leader walked

Safety Kevin Byard led the NFL in interceptions last season. He left in free agency.

So did the takeaway leader

Cornerback Nahshon Wright led the league in takeaways and also departed via free agency. Two of the NFL's top ball hawks left the same building.

Edmunds cut to save money

Tremaine Edmunds ranked third among all linebackers in interceptions. The Bears released him purely as a cost-saving move.

Gordon out at least four games

Slot corner Kyler Gordon is dealing with a calf injury that has lingered since spring. He misses a minimum of four games.

Big free-agent signing shelved

Safety Coby Bryant, the team's high-priced free-agency addition, is out until at least December with a knee injury.

Dexter traded before the cut

Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was second on the team in sacks last year. He was dealt last month before the Bears could release him.

Who actually replaces them

In step linebacker Devin Bush, first-round safety Dillon Thieneman and a rotation at defensive tackle. Notably, no new edge rushers at all.

Sweat puts it bluntly

Montez Sweat says the departed players cannot be replaced, only compensated for, and that the veterans have to carry more.

“You can't really replace those guys, but we have to try our best to do so.”

Allen has no answer yet

Asked how this defense is better, coordinator Dennis Allen would not claim it is. He likes the buy-in and the added speed, but four position groups have new starters.

“I think it's still to be determined.”

Bush sells the identity

Bush describes a hard-nosed, fast, poised group, then admits nobody knows what that actually looks like until the games start.

“We're still developing and still learning what that looks like realistically once we get to Week 1.”

Takeaways hid the real problem

The Bears led the NFL in takeaways and won games because of it. They also allowed the 10th-most points and were the only bottom-10 scoring defense to reach the playoffs.

The Faustian bargain

Chicago is relevant again, but not because of its defense. Getting past the second round means this unit has to find answers starting Sunday at Carolina.

“I have an idea of what it's supposed to look like. Whether we get to it is up to us.”