Football is a violent sport played by some of the strongest, most athletic, most determined, and intense individuals on the planet. The best teams play with an intensity that overwhelms their opponents from opening kickoff to final whistle, usually with a handful of players leading the charge.
The Chicago Bears were deemed “Monsters of the Midway” after fielding multiple such squads, resulting in six championships in the 1930s and 1940s. Those Monsters returned with arguably the greatest defense in pro football history in the 1985 Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears The ‘85 Monsters had half a dozen enforcers throughout.
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Since then, only two such iterations of the Chicago Bears resembled anything close to “Monster Status” - the 2005 Bears and the 2018 version. Each with at least 4 “Monsters” on defense. In 2005, it was Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Mike Brown, and Chris Harris - players whose intensity and physicality made opponents think twice about catching or carrying the ball near them.
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears - November 20, 2005 The 2005 Bears D had their fair share of Monsters as well.
Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
In 2018, Chicago had Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Danny Trevathan, and Roquan Smith. One could argue for Kyle Fuller or Adrian Amos a well, but the point is, there were players at each level who opposing offenses had to bear in mind.
NFL: NOV 22 Bears at Lions The 2018 Bears had some of the most intimidating Monsters of all time.
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
However, the Bears have been lacking some teeth the last few years, which has coincided with more losing than winning. Can the 2024 Bears return to “Monsters of the Midway” status? If so, here are my players to watch for “Monster Status”:
Safety - Jaquan Brisker
Los Angeles Rams v Chicago Bears When healthy, Bears Safety Jaquan Brisker is a Monster whose presence is felt every snap.
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Few have a nose for the ball like former Penn State Nittany Lion Jaquan Brisker. Be it blowing up ball carriers and pass catchers in intimidating fashion or scaring the QB as a blitzer and ball-hawk, Brisker needs only to stay healthy to ensure “Monster Status.”
DB - Kyler Gordon
Cincinnati Bengals v Chicago Bears Though Spidey is a good guy, his versatility on defense is as scary as it gets
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Having just signed his first contract extension of his young career, Kyler Gordon is stepping into his best opportunity as a pro, thanks to new Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen. Allen has gone on record voicing excitement over the 25 year old DB and the many ways his skillets can be put to use. If Kyler can remain healthy, I expect this Monster to be one of the most impactful playmakers in the entire league in 2025.
LB - Tremaine Edmunds
Carolina Panthers v Chicago Bears If “The Predator” can step up his game and make more plays like this forced fumble, he will be well on his way to Monster status.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Easily one of the most polarizing Bears on the current roster thanks to the massive $72 million contract he signed with the team in the 2023 off-season, the 2025 defense's success will largely depend on Edmunds. If he can improve his game with added talent up front on the DL, I expect more bone-jarring hits and turnovers, comfortably placing the former Virginia Tech Hokie in “Monster Status” moving forward.
DE - Montez Sweat
Cincinnati Bengals v Chicago Bears If Sweat can regain this “sparkle in his eye,” then offenses must be on the lookout for another Monster in 2025.
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
After a fantastic start to his tenure as a Chicago Bear in 2023, Montez Sweat failed to make much of an impact in 2025. Though he was reported to have played injured most of the season, the Chicago Bears will need more from their top DL in order for them to return to “Monster Status.”
As we can clearly see, health plays a pivotal role in Monsters being scary, but if these 4 Bears can remain healthy and improve their game with new coaching and talent around them, not only do I expect one of the best defenses in the league in 2025, but I also expect each of these players to join the ranks of Hicks, Mack, Briggs and Urlacher in “Monster Status” as we look back at this season.
Honorable Mentions:
Grady Jarrett/Shemar Turner, Gervon Dexter Sr., Kevin Byard
What about you? Who is most likely to resemble a Monster in 2025, and whose play is most integral for the Bears D to return to “Monster Status”?