Rumor: Bears switching D back to 4-3 scheme?

Almost every NFL sportswriter says teams play nickel most of the time. The distinction between the 3-4 and 4-3 is not as important anymore IMO. I think (and I'm likely wrong) the 4-2-5 was an attempt to bring another DB on the field, while counting either Mark/Quinn as a standup DE. At the start of the season we saw DannyT and RSmith as the LBs, when DannyT got exposed as too slow Pagano begain using DBush as a LB during passing situations.

The Bears pretty much rushed 4 every play (yes there were times they didn't everyone know that....), even when Quinn or Mack dropped into coverage. I don't agree with Quinn or Mack dropping into coverage as much as they did because on their skill set, pass coverage is down the list (like my being able to dribble with either hand), but the concept of a zone blitz (which all teams do) means that sometimes you try and drop a DE/OLB into a passing lane or zone that the OFF isn't expecting. It happens, I don't like it, but it happens.

3-4 or 4-3...doesn't matter what we call it.

Yeah...because teams are so multiple now...it almost doesn't matter what your base is. Teams don't spend a ton of time in it anyway.

Here's Chicago's % in each defense in 2019: Base: 31% Nickel: 62% Dime: 6%

Those numbers pretty closely mirror league wide numbers for 2019 as well.

Switching to a 4-3 also allows you to let Hicks go. Goldman and Nichols can man the inside.