Chicago Bears: The Return of the Monsters of the Midway
The Chicago Bears have often been known as the Monsters of the Midway thanks to their storied defensive units. Will 2016 be the start of another great story?
Since the last Super Bowl appearance in 2006, the Chicago Bears have been scratching and clawing their way back to that status only to be filled with embarrassment and disappointment. It had seemed that the defense was stuck in a rut, unable to bring that magic back with such talents a Brian Urlacher, Charles Tillman, Lance Briggs and Alex Brown. Though Bears fans were split on the firing of head coach Lovie Smith in 2012, something had to spark the defense to life.
Related Story: Trevathan Huge Defensive Upgrade for Bears
The hiring of Marc Trestman in 2013 was supposed to be ideal until he chose Mel Tucker to be the defensive coordinator. Tucker came with a resume of turning the Jacksonville Jaguars into the fourth-highest ranked defense. But for some reason, Tucker could not lead the Bears defense the way he did in with the Jaguars as they ended up with the worst two seasons under his coaching. He was released in 2015 and replaced by Vic Fangio, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers. This change was what the Bears needed.
Who would have imagined that the Bears could function outside of a 4-3 defense? With John Fox at the helm he would help Fangio get the pieces needed for a great defense. Watching the Denver Broncos defense win the Super Bowl this past January, forced the Bears brass to bolster up the obvious hole in the middle of the defense through free agency.
As much as they tried to develop Shea McClellin in the linebacker position is just didn’t work. I stated in a previous article that “some people have bought into McClellin this year and that’s ok, but the Bears need to stop being “just ok” in the linebacker position.” With the recent signings of inside linebackers Danny Trevathan from the Denver Broncos and Jerrell Freeman of the Indianapolis Colts, current outside linebacker Pernell McPhee and the duo of Willie Young and Lamaar Houston the Bears finally have a solid group.
It is now imperative that general manager Ryan Pace and John Fox complete the defense by adding an edge pass rusher either from the draft or free agency. They will also have to grab an explosive corner and safety to protect the red zone.The cornerback and safety position has been lacking since the departure of Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. But the revitalized Tracy Porter and the aggressive rookie performance of Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan gave the backfield some fire.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Re-signing Sherrick McMannis on special teams was an excellent move on the part of Pace. The one that should be concerned is Kyle Fuller who did not play the way he did in the start of his career. A cornerback from the draft that is fluid and not afraid of press coverage will complete the package such as Eli Apple or Vernon Hargreaves.
By the time training camp starts there will be a different atmosphere at Halas Hall. The new 3-4 defense will reclaim the name of the Monsters of the Midway and the Chicago Bears will emerge as a hungry team looking for a division title. Watch for the Bears to use their first round pick on a pass rusher such as Deforest Buckner or Shaq Lawson. It would be very surprising if Joey Bosa was not off the board by the time they get to the number 11 spot.
More nfl spin zone: 30 Greatest Defensive Players
Either way, a dynamic edger will complete the defensive package and put the Bears defense in the top five. This should excite Bears fans as the return of the Monsters of the Midway can be spoken of with pride instead of derision.