2017 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Rams climb after shutting out Cardinals in London

16. Chicago Bears (22)

Don’t look now, but the Chicago Bears are playing some impressive football on the defensive side of the football after another strong performance in Week 7, this time against the Carolina Panthers. John Fox knew his team would be in for a tough challenge hosting a talented offense like the Panthers, but give the Bears’ defense credit for limiting Cam Newton and company to scoring just three points in the 17-3 win.

What made this victory even more impressive for Chicago is their defense came up big by taking two turnovers to the house for touchdowns in the first half, continuing to shock the NFL with their stellar play over the last few weeks. And even though Mitch Trubisky didn’t have the best of games for the Bears on offense after completing just 4 of 7 passes for 107 yards, the important factor is it wasn’t necessary for him to throw the football much during this outing.

Seeing Chicago already match their win total from a year ago has to make Fox feel good about his job security since the head coach has received plenty of criticism at times over the years over whether he’s the right fit for this team. Who knows, maybe if the Bears continue to play this well against playoff-caliber teams, they could even get themselves back in the NFC North hunt since it still seems to be wide open at this point.