CHICAGO – The Bears defense has fallen on hard times. A previously top-5 unit in most statistical categories looks nothing like it did earlier in the year, giving up points and yards aplenty.

That’s a harsh reality for a prideful group of players which has given up 30-plus points in four of the past five games.

Sunday’s 34-17 loss to the Detroit Lions was the latest messy performance, with 475 total yards allowed.

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“That’s not doing the simple stuff right,” safety Kevin Byard III said. “Whether it’s miscommunications or whatever, just not making enough plays in the end. They’re a good offense, but a lot of stuff we gave to them today. We haven’t been good these last few weeks.”

Two signs that things are off: 1. The Bears allowed three touchdowns on four Lions trips into the red zone. 2. They had zero takeaways.

This defense was giving up explosive plays even earlier in the year, but they were the NFL’s best red-zone defense and were aggressive making plays on the ball. Those two elements have faded, leading to greater scoring efficiency.

Over the last three games – all since head coach Matt Eberflus, who was a respected defensive play caller, got fired – the Bears have allowed 11 touchdowns in 14 trips inside their 20-yard line. They also have just two takeaways in that span.

That’s not 2024 Bears defense as it was supposed to be. That has led to trouble and far greater scoring efficiency from the opposition.

“Not playing well. Not playing well enough,” Byard said. “Early in the year, we were playing really good. We’re not playing good now. What’s on tape is on tape.”

What’s on tape hasn’t been good. The Bears are falling for trick plays. They’re getting beat deep, as Jonathan Owens did on Jameson Williams’ 82-yard touchdown catch. While there’s some quarterback pressure generated, sacks have been hard to come by. They’re struggling mightily to stop or even slow the run game down.

“It’s just execution, really,” slot cornerback Kyler Gordon said. “Everyone has to do their job and win one-on-ones. That’s what it depends on. It’s a team sport, and we all contribute by winning our one-on-ones. That’s it, really.”

It sounds simple but has been difficult to fix. At this point in the season, with the defensive trends spiking sharply south, it’s fair to wonder if the Bears will look right again. Byard believes one main thing must change to do so.

“Just consistency,” the veteran safety said. “We’re putting some good plays out there for sure. There are just not enough of them, and there’s more bad plays than good. That’s on tape. That’s our resume.”