In 2018, the Bears had football’s best defense. In fact, they had one of football’s best defense’s ever. That’s what happens when there’s a genuine difference maker or outright superstar at every level of the unit. Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks with their hands in the ground. Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan locking down tight ends and showcasing special instinct. Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson turning in All-Pro campaigns as ballhawks even a defensive-rich franchise like the Bears had never seen. And a savvy, no-bullshit maestro in Vic Fangio masterfully pulling all the strings.
That era, that blip of a season that almost feels as if it happened a decade ago, is now over.