Chicago Bears secondary ranks best in the league after Week 5

While the Chicago Bears offensive growth has been a major talking point surrounding the 2024 season, their defense continues to be top-notch. Through five games, the defense ranks seventh in total defense, (294.8 total yards per game), sixth in passing defense (174 passing yards per game), and 18th in run defense, (120.8 yards per game).

A big reason for their success has been the secondary, which is tops in the league in one key metric. According to Football Insights, using advanced metrics, the Bears rank first in secondary rating, with a EPA/DB rating of -0.25 showing that the opponent loses potential points when targeting the secondary. The next closest team is the Minnesota Vikings with -0.21.

There are other noteworthy stats within the Bears secondary as well. The most notable might be that every member of the starting secondary (Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard) have recorded an interception this season. Brisker is also tied with linebacker T.J. Edwards for most tackles on the team (40) with Byard at third (32), and corners Stevenson and Kyler Gordon tied at fifth (26).

Whether it's swarming a ball carrier or coming up with a turnover, the Bears defense, specifically the secondary, has been everywhere to begin the season. It's a stark contrast to their opponent this weekend, the Jacksonville Jaguars, nugget, who rank dead last in the league with their pass coverage.

Even though the Bears will be missing Brisker, who is out with a concussion, their secondary shouldn't miss a beat on Sunday. They're playing at a high level and should be ready to take on Jacksonville in London.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears secondary ranks best in the league after Week 5