Andrew Billings remains an underrated cog on Chicago Bears defense

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings played the second-most snaps among all interior defenders last season. Billings played a hefty 506 snaps. That accounted for 47.25% of all Bears defensive plays, according to Pro Football Reference.

Only Justin Jones played more snaps among all Bears defensive tackles last season. Jones signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency earlier this offseason. With sophomores Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens as the other notable players at the position, Billings is now easily the most experienced defensive tackle on the roster as the senior player.

Billings’ impact last season shouldn’t be understated. Listed at 311 pounds (and Billings is likely even heavier than that), the former Baylor standout was often tasked with playing in a run-stopping role. Pro Football Focus only assigned him a run-stopping grade of 55.3, but that feels somewhat downplayed, considering the Bears’ defense allowed a league-low 86.4 rushing yards per game. Billings, who made 27 tackles (three for a loss), played a role in that success.

Andrew Billings’ legs could kill someone.

Via @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/vJjsEsDOUj

— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) June 7, 2024

ESPN Stats & Information credited Billings with 87 “run-stopping wins” last season. Only three defensive tackles captured more victories in the trenches. Billings’ 39% run-stopping win rate was among the best in the league according to their analytics, and his double-team rate of 40% was among the highest, meaning he routinely received extra attention from opposing offensive lines and freed up the linebackers to make plays on the ball.

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There will be added emphasis on stopping the run in the NFC North this season. The Detroit Lions have a two-headed backfield with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Green Bay Packers signed former rushing champion Josh Jacobs to a lucrative contract in free agency, and Aaron Jones swapped the Packers for the Minnesota Vikings. Billings will have a big role to play.

Billings also chipped in as a pass rusher. That’s not his primary focus, but PFF did credit him with 23 quarterback pressures and 21 hurries. Matt Eberflus treats any pass-rushing production he receives from Billings as a bonus.

Billings will command a starting role in Eberflus’ base 4-3 defense. Dexter will likely replace Jones as his running mate via an elevated role. Unproven talents like Pickens and perhaps undrafted free agent Keith Randolph Jr. will play rotational roles behind them. Billings is one of the most underrated and important pieces on the Bears’ defense.