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NFC North power rankings: 2018 pass rushers

By Brian Sampson

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Inside linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Inside linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears almost had a first-place finish but were just edged out by the Vikings. Chicago finished seventh in the NFL last season with 42 sacks.

Even though they failed to have a single player reach double-digit sacks on the year, they certainly approached it as a team effort. Akiem Hicks led the way with a career-high 8.5 sacks, but after him, 10 guys recorded two or more quarterback takedowns.

The Bears did lose Pernell McPhee (four sacks), Lamarr Houston (four sacks), Mitch Unrein (2.5 sacks), Christian Jones (two sacks) and Willie Young (two sacks) from that list. However, they added a couple of mid-round draft picks and depth pieces like Aaron Lynch to help replace the lost depth.

Perhaps the biggest move, however, was the fact they were able to keep defensive coordinator Vic Fangio even though they switched head coaches. Fangio has done a nice job in Chicago and will keep some unity for that defense.

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