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2017 Chicago Bears Defense - Vic Fangio

In 2017, the Chicago Bears’ defense, orchestrated by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio under head coach John Fox, was a rising unit that transformed a previously struggling franchise into a respectable force, finishing with a 5-11 record. Fangio, in his third year with the Bears, implemented a 3-4 base defense that emphasized two-high coverages, versatile fronts, and disciplined play, significantly improving the team’s defensive performance. The defense ranked 10th in the NFL in total yards allowed (319.1 per game), 9th in points allowed (20.0 per game), 7th in passing yards (211.0 per game), and 11th in rushing yards (108.1 per game), a marked improvement from the 30th-ranked unit in 2014 before Fangio’s arrival.

Fangio’s defense was built on a 3-4 scheme with a focus on limiting explosive plays, using a two-high safety shell (often Cover 4 or Cover 6) to disguise coverages and force quarterbacks into short, contested throws. His system, detailed in sources like The Athletic, employed a 6-1 front in certain situations to counter run-heavy offenses, with four down linemen, a linebacker off one edge, and a nickel back off the other, a tactic later emulated by Bill Belichick. The Bears used a mix of base 3-4, nickel 3-4, and occasional 4-3 fronts, adapting to opponents’ tendencies, as noted in Windy City Gridiron. Pre-snap alignments were consistent to mask intentions, with post-snap adjustments confusing quarterbacks. The defense tied for 7th in sacks (42) and was 14th in takeaways (22), showing a balanced ability to pressure and capitalize on mistakes.

The defense was anchored by defensive end Akiem Hicks, who had a career year with 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning Pro Bowl consideration. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman was a run-stuffing force with 27 tackles and 3 tackles for loss, pivotal to the Bears’ second-ranked run defense early in the season (84.0 yards per game). Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, despite playing with a broken hand, contributed 4.5 sacks, while rookie linebacker Roquan Smith showed promise. Cornerback Kyle Fuller, revitalized under Fangio, led with eight pass breakups, displaying newfound confidence. Safety Eddie Jackson, a rookie, added two interceptions and a fumble recovery touchdown. The secondary, including Prince Amukamara, held opponents to a 78.2 passer rating (9th in NFL).

Standout games included a 17-3 Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers, where the defense allowed just 153 yards and forced two turnovers, and a 23-16 upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, holding Le’Veon Bell to 61 yards. However, inconsistencies surfaced, notably in a 23-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers, where backup quarterback Brett Hundley posted a 110.7 passer rating, and a 27-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, where Matthew Stafford threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Injuries to inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (calf) and Floyd (knee ligaments) further strained the unit late in the season.

Fangio inherited a roster “not built for anything,” as he candidly stated, with only a few holdovers like Willie Young starting from the prior regime. Injuries and a lack of elite edge rushers limited the pass rush, with Fangio noting inconsistency in that area. The offense, led by rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky, ranked 30th, putting pressure on the defense to keep games close, which it did, positioning Trubisky to win or tie in all four of his losses. Fangio’s frustration with the roster’s initial state was evident, but his ability to develop players like Fuller and Hicks was a hallmark of his tenure.

The 2017 season was a stepping stone for Fangio’s Bears defense, which peaked in 2018 with the addition of Khalil Mack, leading the NFL in takeaways (36) and scoring defense (17.7 points per game). Fangio’s 2017 unit laid the foundation, improving from 30th to 10th in total defense and earning him a three-year extension under new head coach Matt Nagy. His influence extended beyond Chicago, with his 6-1 front and two-high coverages becoming a blueprint to counter modern offenses, as noted by Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. The season showcased Fangio’s ability to maximize a rebuilding roster, setting the stage for his 2018 Assistant Coach of the Year honors and eventual head coaching role with the Denver Broncos.

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