Nicknames are such an underrated part of creating a mystique around great units in the NFL. Washington’s offensive line was the Hogs. New Orleans’ great linebacking corps of the 1980s was the Dome Patrol. Minnesota’s defensive line of the 1970s was the Purple People Eaters. The last truly great nickname the NFL saw was the Seattle Seahawks’ elite secondary called the Legion of Boom. Since then, no one unit around the league has managed to reach a point where they earned a nickname. That could be about to change for the Chicago Bears.
Tyler Dunne of Go Long did an incredible two-part in-depth study of the team’s current situation going into 2024. Most of it centered on their ugly quarterback legacy and whether Caleb Williams can finally change that. Part of this discussion was how often the organization has wasted great defenses. The latest incarnation could be another one. Without intending to, a former team scout described the Bears’ new secondary as something only reserved for those expecting pain.
This defense is built for the modern game. One ex-Bears scout describes the secondary as more of a crucible. He views Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon as the best cornerback trio in the NFL. When Chicago switched from zone to man coverage, this crew got into the collective mugs of receivers. Gordan shut down the best slot man in the game: Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown. Up front, Poles’ midseason trade for Montez Sweat proved ingenious. By acquiring a pass rusher the veteran route, the Bears could more comfortably select Odunze at nine.
That is a phenomenal nickname fans and the NFL would adopt in a heartbeat. It’s also apt. The secondary was the driving force behind Chicago’s second-half surge last season. Jaylon Johnson and rookie Tyrique Stevenson combined for eight interceptions. Kyler Gordon had two of his own, along with a sack. Jaquan Brisker finished with 105 tackles, a sack, and an interception. This is a young, athletic, and physical group. That is before you mention Kevin Byard, a veteran with 28 career interceptions and two All-Pro honors.
It doesn’t look like a group anybody wants to mess with. Head coach Matt Eberflus is an excellent play-caller pulling the strings. If the defensive line can generate pressure consistently this season, that group is going to feast on opponents. It is that good. Every week, an opposing offense will have to face “The Crucible.” Great stuff. Easy to say. Easy to remember. Conjures images of pain and hardship. It’s a perfect fit. Here is hoping they live up to that reputation this year.
