The Chicago Bears sit in last place in the NFC North, yet they hold a winning record without their star quarterback, Caleb Williams. This odd mix of results points to a specific weakness that could change the team’s path before the trade deadline. The interior of the defensive line has become a major hole that needs filling fast. Through five games, Kentavius Street stands as the only interior defender to record a sack for the team. That single stat tells a story of a front seven that struggles to get home.
Carter Bahns from CBS Sports, whose analysis was highlighted by Sports Illustrated, sees the Bears as a team ready to buy players before the deadline. He notes that the team ranks just 20th in quarterback pressure rate and lacks depth on both the edge and the interior. Dayo Odeyingbo’s injury combined with Montez Sweat’s suspension has elevated the need for an edge rusher to the top of the priority list. The team was mostly quiet at that position during the offseason and saw Marcus Davenport retire abruptly after Week 4. Given these recent losses, Bahns contends that securing an edge spot takes precedence over acquiring a defensive tackle.
Bahns has identified two specific players who could help fix this front. Zach Sieler of the Miami Dolphins and Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders serve as potential targets for Chicago, according to his analysis. Since Payne is entering the final year of his contract, he represents an ideal candidate for a trade.
The Clock Is Ticking
The NFL trade deadline is approaching on November 10th, giving the front office less than a month to act. To maximize the team’s potential upon Williams’ return, general manager Ryan Poles must strengthen the defense, particularly along the front. The combination of a winning record and a last-place standing creates a unique pressure to get the defensive line right. If the Bears can secure a player like Payne or Sieler, they could turn a confusing season into a playoff push.
Next game is Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. ET when the Bears travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The results of that game will add more data to the debate about whether the current roster is good enough to climb out of the division basement. The defense must step up if the offense keeps scoring.