DeMarcus Walker Sounds Off on Bears’ Defensive Turnaround

Bears Walker Defense

Chicago Bears EDGE rusher DeMarcus Walker has just 1.5 sacks on the season. That puts him on pace for 4.0 sacks if the trend after recording a career-high 7.0 with the Tennessee Titans last season. But those sacks have all come in the last three weeks and coincides with an upward trend from the Bears’ defense over that span.

They rank 18th in yards allowed per game in that span, most notably checking in at fifth against the run.

“Just gotta continue growing,” Walker said after Wednesday’s practice.

Bears’ DeMarcus Walker on Defense’s Turnaround: ‘Continue Growing’

“Continue getting together, trust one another, have the energy. I mean, I love this defense. I love guys out there next to me. We got depth. Got young guys that willing to learn and compete. I mean, it doesn’t get no better than that.”

Their opponents in that span – the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders – are a combined 9-12 on the season. Still, the Bears went 2-1 against them, notching one of those wins with undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent at quarterback.

The Bears’ secondary is also getting whole, creating that additional time for the pass rush to at least make the quarterback uncomfortable. They have recorded eight of their 10 sacks on the season in this three-week window as well. It all bodes well as they look to stem the tide and course-correct on this season.

DeMarcus Walker on Bears Fans’ Support: ‘No Better Feeling’

Walker announced his feelings about playing for the Bears and, specifically, in Chicago when he signed his three-year, $21 million contract in free agency this past offseason. After the win versus the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, he shared another message to the city he now calls home.

“That’s just me. I love it here, man,” Walker said. “Obviously, we gotta just continue developing, and me, continue to grow and make some more plays. I mean, there’s no better feeling than having a fan base that’s invested, engaged. You don’t get it everywhere.”

Local Bears fans will have to watch the team for the next two weeks as they hit the road.

They face the 2-4 Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8 before visiting the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 before hosting the 0-5 Carolina Panthers in Week 10.

DeMarcus Walker: Jaylon Johnson ‘Starting Something’

During his big game that saw him intercept two passes and return one to the house for a touchdown, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson sported an undershirt in the Bears’ signature burnt orange color.

Walker could be seen wearing similar sleeves during Wednesday’s practice.

“Just trying to stay warm,” Walker laughed when asked if he was trying to emulate Johnson’s magic. “But he’s starting something, man. That man got two of them, and a pick 6?”

Johnson is in the final year of his rookie contract and voiced his willingness to get to the negotiating table with the Bears after Sunday’s win. Proving successful in his efforts, Johnson said he and the Bears are indeed having discussions on a new contract. Chicago can also franchise tag Johnson if they are unable to reach a long-term agreement.