Chicago Bears: Analyzing 2019 offseason moves
Changes on defense
The Chicago Bears had a big decision to make on two of their key players on defense — cornerback Bryce Callahan and safety Adrian Amos. Many speculated on whether one or both would stay. It turned out that Pace and the Bears allowed both players to walk away.
In Callahan’s place, the Bears signed Buster Skrine. Some were surprised and disappointed with that move. He isn’t one of the best players at slot cornerback. That doesn’t make Chicago Bears fans feel too excited. Add the fact that he is on the wrong side of 30 years old and this move was a head-scratcher.
Perhaps the move is just a one-season move. The Bears went out and drafted Duke Shelley, a slot corner prospect. The thinking could be that Shelley gets eased in this season and take over next season. Skrine is only guaranteed $8 million so, if they cut him after the season, it won’t be a big financial hit.
However, I feel Shelley can take over sooner than that. He could put the pressure on Skrine and impress enough to beat him. We know that Shelley is the future, why not have the future start right away?
The other big move Pace and the Bears made was to acquire Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Clinton-Dix, in my opinion, is one of the top safeties in the league. What was extraordinary was signing him to a one-year, $3 million deal.
Playing in this defense, Clinton-Dix will thrive. He’ll team up with his former college teammate Eddie Jackson. Their combined 22 interceptions will make it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to complete passes going their way.
One important player the Bears did re-sign was Aaron Lynch. Lynch was having a pretty good season until his injury. He can again provide good depth at outside linebacker.
The Bears also signed defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris and outside linebacker Isaiah Irving. Those signings continue the continuity the team has on defense. Additionally, Robertson-Harris has outplayed Jonathan Bullard along the defensive line.
Even with some losses on the defense, Pace did a good job of replacing them as well as retaining key players. The only worry might be Skrine, but if Shelley can pick things up quickly he could be the answer.
What happens with a new defensive coordinator?
Perhaps the biggest move the Bears made was at coordinator. Former coordinator Vic Fangio left Chicago to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. The Bears turned to former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
We can expect a more aggressive Bears defense under Pagano. Fangio moved Leonard Floyd and Khalil Mack back in coverage a number of times. I expect to see fewer dropbacks by them.
For his part, Pagano wants to build on the success of 2018. He not only wants to be better than next year he also feels this can be the best defensive unit of all time, per the Chicago Tribune:
"Our vision for this defense is to be the best. Can we be the best in the history of the game? The pieces are there and they will continue to add pieces. Can we be better than we were last year? Absolutely. It’s going to be very, very difficult and a huge challenge, but one we will be up for."
It’ll be interesting to see this defense in action. Pressure on the quarterback produces a lot of mistakes and hopefully the additional pressure the Bears put this season results in a lot of mistakes by their opponents.