Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part III

No player on the Chicago Bears defence had a great season in 2014. When the team decided to keep defensive coordinator Mel Tucker on staff for another season, it foreshadowed another season of abysmal defence, and inadvertently set up the 2014 defensive draft class for a rough go in their first pro seasons. Fast forward to 2015 with a new coaching staff, new attitude and aspirations to return the Bears to their once feared defence, the now sophomore class of Chicago defenders will get their chance to show the fan base what they can really do.

Sophomore Series
Will Sutton, DE, Arizona State, 3rd round 82nd overall in 2014

2014 Stats: 15 GP, 7 Ast, 15 Solo, 2 Pass D

Rookie Season Recap
Much like his draft mate Ego Ferguson (and the entire defence), Sutton had a quiet 2014 season on a bad defence. He played 465 snaps in his first year as a pro, his role was greatly increased when Jeremiah Ratliff was forced to the bench due to injury early in the season, an opportunity which he was unable to take advantage of. Was his ineffectiveness due to scheme? or is he just a below average lineman who will be off the 53 man roster come opening day 2015?

Sophomore Season Outlook
Will Sutton will have one solid opportunity to make this team and stick in Vic Fangio's new 3-4 defence. Sutton at 6'0' 315 Lbs will be too small to play nose tackle in Fangio's defence, so he will have only one avenue to make the final 53, make the switch to end. Based on his rookie campaign this might seem like too daunting a task, however, Sutton was one of the best Bears on either side of the ball in the preseason opener vs. the dolphins, looking athletic and like a different player lining up at the five-technique.

Closing Outlook
For any returning Bears defensive player Vic Fangio's defence is either going to save them, or cause them to find work elsewhere, Will Sutton is a player poised to be saved by the new scheme. Expect him to be an active member on the carousel that will be the Chicago front seven, getting snaps at end, and putting up solid stats. If his performance in the preseason opener was any indication of what's to come, Will Sutton will be a player to watch in 2015 at his new position. Can Will Sutton earn a spot on the Bears 2015 roster, will he become a contributor on this defence, or just another depth lineman?

Next Up: S Brock Vereen

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140928/sports/140928358/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part II

In 2013, the Bears defence was ranked near the bottom in many defensive categories both in pass and run defence, however they were historically bad against the run, and last in many categories by a large margin. It was clear Phil Emery had to address the porous defence in the offseason, and the 2014 draft was where the team turned to begin the rebuild, evident in the team drafting on the defensive side of the ball in the first three rounds, with a focus on the defensive line.

As we all know, the Bears defence was amongst the leagues worst again in 2014, even after focusing solely on the defence in the offseason. Many factors led to another year of awful defence, in my opinion the most significant being the return of Mel Tucker as defensive coordinator. Now, under a competent defensive coordinator, the players brought in to help return the teams defence to glory will have a legitimate shot at proving why they were drafted in 2014. 

Sophomore Series

DT Ego Ferguson, Louisiana State , 2nd round 51st overall in 2014

2014 Season stats:  16 GP , 12 Ast, 12 Solo, 2 Sack, Pass D 3

Rookie Season Recap

There was quite a positive reaction when the Bears managed to snag Ego Ferguson in the second round of last years draft. Everyone knew the team needed to address their run defence, and adding the 6'2' 315lb DT seemed to be a step in the right direction. Ferguson was fairly quiet in his rookie season, although most of the Bears defensive lineman were (aside from Willie Young) Ferguson had an opportunity to make some noise as a rookie DT on a lack lustre line and just didn't quite seem to take advantage or manage to stand out form the crowd, which is a major concern considering the overall skill level of last years defensive unit. 

Sophomore Season Outlook

It will be a tough road ahead for Ferguson, with the drafting of stud NT Eddie Goldman in this offseason's draft, the late season emergence of Jeremiah Ratliff and the Bears switching to a 3-4 defence, his opportunity to become an anchor on Chicago's line may have passed. It is evident the new regime did not feel the crop of defensive players was good enough coming off last season, once again this the Bears brought in a plethora of new faces on the defensive side of the ball, all signs indicate they will be meaner, more aggressive and a scarier unit altogether. Based on last season, Ferguson did not show enough to prove he was an above average DT in the league, let alone the added responsibility that comes when you are asked to fill in at nose in a 3-4 scheme. One opportunity that may arise for the lineman could come in the uniqueness of Fangio's schemes, which often times have players all over the field, filling many different positions. With his size Ferguson may be more suited to rush or play end, and in the new looks Bears defence, this is an opportunity he may get. With the new defensive additions, and a defence with much more depth, it will be an uphill climb for the sophomore lineman to earn snaps at the Bears NT position competing with both Ratliff and Goldman. 

Closing Outlook

Early signs indicate Ratliff and Goldman being the Bears monsters in the middle, after that it will be a fight to earn defensive snaps in Chicago's front seven. Expect Ferguson to become a reliable backup on the d-line for the Bears, and playing an active role in the carousel front seven of Fangio's defence. Ferguson's fate may have been sealed when the Bears drafted Eddie Goldman, does he have enough fight in him to earn snaps on this new Bears defence?

Next Up: DE Will Sutton

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://beargoggleson.com/2015/01/28/key-peeles-new-east-west-bowl-sketch-hilarious-despite-packers/

Chicago Bears Sophomore Series

Following a dismal 5-11 season, which saw one the worst defences in team and league history, a QB controversy which had Jimmy Clausen overtaking Jay Cutler for the starting job, and publicly known veteran unrest within the locker room, Bears fans everywhere were hungry for change, and change is exactly what they got. With names like Mel Tucker, Phil Emery and Marc Trestman being replaced by the likes of John Fox, Vic Fangio and Ryan Pace, the Bears front office has made positive changes towards restoring the Bears to the storied franchise of old.

With the train wreck of last season both on field and off field, the rookie class of 2014-15 came into a tough situation and may have not had a chance to produce as they should have. The main factor against this rookie class was the state of the defence they walked into. With so much change coming into this season, it is important to take time to highlight the now sophomore class of the Bears, who will have a chance this season, to make their impact.

Over the next week we will take time to highlight some key rookies who could thrive under this revamped Chicago Bears staff.

Sophomore Series
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech , 1st Round 14th Overall in 2014

2014 Season Stats: 16GP   51 TKl   13 AST   10 PDfl   3 FF   4 INT   81 Yds

Rookie Season Recap
 Going into the 2014 draft, IT was well known the Bears needed to address their defensive woes, especially the position groups which were in need of a youthful injection, which is why there was so much excitement when the Bears selected Kyle Fuller to begin the rebuild of their aging secondary. Kyle Fuller shone brightest early in the season (much like the rest of the team before their collapse) most notable was his role in the Bears electrifying 28-20 win over the 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Fuller embraced the Sunday night lights and picked off 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick twice in the fourth quarter, becoming the first Bears rookie with a two pick game since Chris Harris in 2005, and securing the victory for the Bears. Fuller went on to snag 2 more Int's, along with 3 FF's giving Fuller a total of 7 turnovers and quietly, a solid rookie campaign on a terrible defensive unit. Injuries to both Charles Tillman, and Tim Jennings during the season the rookie DB was forced into a more pivotal role than most fans expected him to have, which may have caused deflated numbers, but allowed for invaluable experiences i.e. covering Calvin Johnson Jr. of the Lions which is a task that normally fell to Peanut Tillman.

Sophomore Season Outlook
The Bears have a very different looking secondary coming in to 2016, which is definitely a good thing. The additions of Alan Ball and the (underrated) signing of veteran CB Tracy Porter, there will be some healthy competition at the CB position. To begin the season, expect Fuller to sit #2 on the depth chart behind Veteran Tim Jennings, however, fully expect Fuller to draw from his athleticism and experience from the expanded role in 2014-15, and overtake Jennings for top spot on the depth chart by the end of the season. Considering how the defence ran last season, and his ability to manage 7 turnovers, Fuller should finish the season with 12 or more turnovers on a competent Vic Fangio non Mel Tucker run defence.

Closing Outlook
With so much stacked against him in his rookie season; historically awful defence, incompetent coordinator, locker room drama and being thrown into the fire, Kyle Fuller impressed in his rookie year and should excel in Fangio's new defense. He will remind Bears fans why he was a 1st round pick in 2015. Can he follow in the footsteps of Charles Tillman and become the rock that this Bears secondary needs for years to come?

Next Up: DT Ego Ferguson

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References;
Picture sourced from:http://sportsmockery.com/2015/07/kyle-fuller-shares-lots-in-common-with-all-pro-earl-thomas/