The buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears of late hasn’t been as loud as some other teams. That’s typical. Fans have grown used to the national media not paying much attention to the Windy City. Granted, finishes of 5-11 and 6-10 the past two years might have a lot to do with that too. Even so, there is a rumble percolating through the football community, and it’s an air of excitement surrounding what GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have done rebuilding the roster. Especially the defense.

This shouldn’t be a big surprise. Chicago is a city that worships its defensive legacy, to say nothing of the fact that the two men at the top both hold backgrounds on that side of the ball. Still, some out there continue to insist that the mainstream media and casual fans don’t understand just how much better this unit has gotten, and at one position in particular.

Arthur Arkush of Pro Football Weekly and USA Today recently unveiled his rankings of the top five most improved position groups in the NFL. There were a couple gimmes such as the Eagles quarterbacks and the Colts offensive line, but the clear cut winner at #1 resided on the lake front.

*Fast forward to 3:23 to find out.

There is no doubt that the opinions across the board are that the Bears linebackers are vastly improved. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman bring experience, confidence, proven production and leadership on the inside while Leonard Floyd adds some sorely needed speed on the outside to team with power players Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young.

The stats alone tell the story.

Trevathan and Freeman in 2015

221 tackles

3 INTs

8 passes defended

2 TDs

All Bears ILBs in 2015

233 tackles

1 INT

7 passes defended

1 forced fumble

There is no doubt that the biggest thing the Chicago Bears added at inside linebacker is playmaking skill. Tackling will be more efficient, pass coverage will be improved and on top of that they have not one but two guys who know how to become instant offensive weapons who can score if they get their hands on the ball. If their front is as big, physical and nasty as its being hyped up to be, then this linebacking corps is going to make stuff happen.

Whether opponents like it or not.