LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- New Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano issued a challenge to the team at his introductory news conference Thursday not only to sustain last season's defensive success but to reach even greater heights.
In 2018 under Vic Fangio, whom the Denver Broncos hired away to be their head coach, the Bears' defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL in in yards per play (4.78), points per game (17.7), takeaways (36) and interceptions (27).
Chicago rode the momentum created by that defense to a 12-4 record and its first NFC North title and playoff appearance since 2010.