Bears Player Admits Robert Quinn Trade Hurt Defense In Dallas

The Chicago Bears had one of their best performances of the season in New England last Monday night, giving up only 14 points and snagging three interceptions. They followed that up with the worst game the unit has played since 2014, allowing 42 points to the Dallas Cowboys, who racked up 440 total yards. People are struggling to figure out what changed. The simplest answer is the departure of Robert Quinn. Chicago traded him to Philadelphia last week for a 4th round pick.

The move wasn’t unexpected. Quinn is 32 years old and likely wouldn’t be on the team after 2022. Getting compensation for him made sense. Not to mention it’s not like he was dominating to start the year, notching only one sack in the first seven games. It’s hard to believe his presence would be missed that much. Yet, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, that was the case. Trevis Gipson’s answer about it says everything.

“Emotionally different — yes, sir,” said defensive end Trevis Gipson, who moved into the starting lineup in Quinn’s place. “Job-wise different — no, sir. Still have to pay attention to details, do your job. Still got to play technique sound and play great H.I.T.S. principle football.”

We were speaking with Roquan Smith when the Robert Quinn trade broke. He was having a tough time and had to cut it short. pic.twitter.com/Ekd168m62S

— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) October 26, 2022

Robert Quinn leadership can’t be understated.

It’s not all about production. There is something to be said for leadership in a locker room. There is a reason teammates voted Quinn a captain to start the year. Seeing Roquan Smith break down in tears wasn’t some scene for the cameras. If he felt that way about losing Quinn, there is a strong likelihood that other teammates did as well. Don’t forget that almost every member of that defense is under the age of 27. It is a very young group. Losing a veteran presence like that can be challenging.

It’s not an excuse, though. That defense still has enough talent to play better than allowing 42 points and 440 yards. They know this. Both Eddie Jackson and Smith called the performance “embarrassing.” It isn’t up to their standard and will get corrected in the coming weeks. The truth is Robert Quinn leaving wasn’t just about leadership. It exposed how thin the Bears are on the defensive line. He was their only Pro Bowl-caliber player left after losing Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. The unit needs a complete retooling in the off-season.