The countdown to opening day is down to only two days and I couldn’t be any more excited! As promised earlier, I am going to break down my projections for the Bears defense along with some of their suitable backups. Many of the positions are the same as how the Bears list on the depth chart, but I also will throw a few curveballs into the breakdown.
Defensive Line:
-Left end: Israel Idonije, Corey Wootton
-Defensive Tackle: Henry Melton, Amobi Okoye
-Nose Tackle: Anthony Adams, Matt Toeaina
-Right end: Julius Peppers, Mario Addision
The defensive line of the Chicago Bears may be the deepest unit on the Bears. The starters are the same as how it is listed on the depth charter. Julius Peppers is a monster and is primed for a year of 10 plus sack due to the depth and skill of the line. Henry Melton also should do some good things for the line. He was able to add 30 pound during the offseason and keep his speed and quickness. This will provide a disruptive figure in the interior of the line. I think the most important member of the line is Anthony Adams. Yes, he won’t put up the flashy stats or numbers, but he is a monster against the run and really solidifies the line.
Linebackers:
-Strong Linebacker: Lofa Tatupu
-Middle Linebacker: Brian Urlacher
-Weak Linebacker: Lance Briggs
The linebackers for the Bears are always going to be good when they are able to run out Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs every week. Both are phenomenal players and are arguably both top 20 players on the defensive side of the ball. Both are great tacklers, have incredibly high football knowledge and both have good range. The one area of the linebacker position that could use an upgrade is the strong position. If the Bears were to sign Lofa Tatupu, it would provide the Bears with possibly the best linebacker group in the NFL. Tatupu would be an immediate upgrade over Nick Roach and would allow Roach to move back into a back up position which would provide depth for all three positions. Also the signing of Tatupu would be an insurance policy for when Brian Urlacher retires. He is a natural middle linebacker but I think in the Bears scheme he could play the strong side.
Defensive Backs:
-Left Cornerback: Zack Bowman
-Strong Safety: Chris Harris
-Free Safety: Brandon Meriweather
-Right Cornerback: Charles Tillman
The defensive back position is also another unit that has substantial depth. Charles Tillman may be one of the most underrated players in the league. He is a great tackler, has a great nose for the ball and is able to play well against the run. He also has good size which allows him to line up against some of the bigger wide receivers in the game. Opposite of him, I believe Zach Bowman should be starting. He possesses a similar build to Tillman along with some of his skills. Tim Jennings is a very solid cornerback, but I feel that his height is a big knock against him. The only other change I have in the secondary is inserting Brandon Meriweather at free safety. Major Wright is a very young and promising player; however the Bears could not afford not to start Meriweather. He has been highly touted as a game changer ever since he was drafted into the league. He also has a real knack for the ball, considering since he entered the league he has 12 interceptions and has caused 5 fumbles.
The Bears defense not only has the ability to be a top 10 defense in the league but also to win games. Many of the Bears key members are starting to get up there in age and the window for the defense to stay together is closing. Look for the unit to be very fast and dependable and have another great year. So until next time, Bear Down Chicago.
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