The Chicago Bears have a 7-2 record entering their Week 10 bye week, where they have an opportunity to rest up, get healthy and prepare for a Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Bears are off to their best start since 2012, where they currently sit in first place in an NFC North division that’s been historically good and competitive through the first nine weeks. The fact that Chicago is in this position after missing quarterback Caleb Williams for three games speaks volumes about Ben Johnson’s squad, and the addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons also doesn’t hurt.
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There have been some standout players (both good and bad) through the first half of the season, and some come as a surprise while others are expected. Here’s a look at the best and worst from the Bears offense and defense after the first nine games, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson had the best message for Bears after ugly win vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) returns a kick off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is tackled short of the first down by the Chicago Bears defense in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) fumbles a punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) rushes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) rushes the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker al-Quadin Muhammad (97) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (1) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson says Bears’ red-zone defense won game vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) react after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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The Morning After…the Bears’ ugly Week 9 win vs. Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) reacts after making the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears made the wrong kind of history in 5-turnover win vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Chicago Bears enter bye week in first place in NFC North
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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8 takeaways from the Bears’ stressful win over the Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) points after kicking the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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8 takeaways from the Bears’ stressful win over the Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after making a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 9 win vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears QB Caleb Williams explains what went wrong with 4 INTS vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) makes a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson says Devin Bush had his best game as a Bear vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) at Soldier Field. in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) draws a penalty on Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish (25) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson never lost hope in Caleb Williams on game-winning drive
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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NFL Week 10 power rankings: How trade deadline impacted the standings
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after making a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a PAT against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) react after a defensive stop against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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5 most important plays from Bears’ Week 9 win over Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) reacts with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) attempts to make a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat (98) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (14) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Best offense grades
RT Darnell Wright: 85.9
RG Jonah Jackson: 83.1
WR Luther Burden III: 82.9
RB Kyle Monangai: 74.6
QB Caleb Williams: 72.7
The absolute stars of the Bears offense have shined through the first half of the season, with Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson cementing themselves as two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. Luther Burden has been the team’s best receiver for most of the season, and Kyle Monangai is really the key to unlocking the rushing offense for Chicago, and his absence has been a big one. Caleb Williams will always be the most focused on star and him being one of the best offensive graded players is why this team has had the success they’ve had, even with Williams missing three games.
Worst offense grades
QB Case Keenum: 50.3
WR Jahdae Walker: 55.3
QB Tyson Bagent: 56.7
TE Cole Kmet: 57.6
OT Ozzy Trapilo: 58.4
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Jahdae Walker came into the season with a potential chance to find earn himself playing time on the field offensively, but most of his work has come on special teams. Keenum and Bagent each filled in for Williams during his injury, and it was the veteran Keenum who had the better individual performance between the two when given the starting role. Cole Kmet was lost for the season with a knee injury, and while he didn’t make much of an impact on offense, he was a great blocker to help open up the run game.
Best defense grades
DT Jeffery Simmons: 73.9
LB Noah Sewell: 73.9
DE Austin Booker: 72.5
DE Daniel Hardy: 71.4
S Cam Lewis: 64.9
Jeffery Simmons has been one of the best players on defense in the league this season, and has made his impact felt in a big way upon his arrival in Chicago. Part of Simmons’ arrival has also opened up more opportunities for his teammates, and Austin Booker has been one of the biggest benefactors from his new teammate. Cam Lewis has done well filling in for Coby Bryant, and the depth of Chicago’s defense is on full display with Noah Sewell and Daniel Hardy also cracking the top of this list.
Worst defense grades
DT Jordan van den Berg: 39.2
DT Neville Gallimore: 44.1
CB Jaylon Johnson: 44.3
CB Tyrique Stevenson: 46.2
DT Kentavius Street: 48.7
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Coming into the season, Jordan van den Berg had a ton of hype around him but he has not been given many opportunities and has taken a back seat in his rookie season. The biggest concern of the entire first half of the season surrounds the two cornerbacks on this list, Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, both of whom are expected to be leaders in the secondary, but their play has been very poor this season. If the Bears defensive line can continue to excel, it may make life easier on the secondary in the second half of the season, but Johnson and Stevenson have to get better if the team is going to be a real championship contender.