The Chicago Bears suffered a brutal blow in their defense when nasal tackle Eddie Goldman opted out of the 2020 season due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goldman’s absence will be felt in the middle of that defensive line, especially when it comes to clogging the traffic lanes and doing the dirty work in the trenches. Which means the Bears defense is going to need some of those players on the defensive line to step in in Goldman’s absence.
Our staff at Bears Wire shares his thoughts on the player they think will rise to the occasion in Goldman’s absence.
Alyssa: DT Bilal Nichols
Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
While the loss of Eddie Goldman is devastating, it does offer someone like defensive tackle Bilal Nichols an opportunity to step in in his absence, especially as Nichols is going to see an increased workload. Nichols was already expected to be a big contributor this season. But with Goldman’s absence, it’s more imperative than ever that Nichols go from average to great on this defensive line.
The Bears have one of the best running defenses in the NFL last season, a testament to Goldman’s ability to block traffic lanes. Now Nichols, a former Delaware fifth-round pick, has a chance to step in in that same area, which he’s already shown he can do. Losing Goldman is absolutely brutal for this defense. But if that allows Nichols to step up his third season, there certainly could be a silver lining.
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