He has remained vague in specifying which defensive players on the current roster he sees as core leaders the team can build around and grow with. Still, the Bears defense has obvious potential catalysts, starting with linebacker Roquan Smith, an established playmaker and respected leader who will have to settle into Eberflus’ defense quickly and then spearhead the turnover rush.Įberflus said Tuesday the two most important traits he looks for in players is a genuine love for football and a willingness to invest in working hard. Eberflus knows there are many holes to fill and adjustments to make as the Bears shift from a 3-4 base system to a 4-3 while also considering some difficult roster decisions that might put the team’s long-term health ahead of its short-term competitiveness. Free agency begins in two weeks, and the draft is six weeks after that. The Bears have a lot of work to do to replenish their defense during the upcoming player acquisition cycle. That was evidence to debunk one popular notion that takeaway totals are, by and large, random from year to year with so much hinging on good fortune. Smith’s teams created 310 turnovers in his nine seasons in Chicago, an average of 34.4 per season, and had at least 28 in every season. He certainly has a lot of similar points of emphasis as former Bears coach Lovie Smith, who arrived at Halas Hall in 2004 proclaiming that takeaways would be a top priority. Perhaps Eberflus’ formula will work quickly in Chicago. He also will teach his players about city fumbles - those in heavy traffic - and how best to recover those versus country fumbles - those out in the open - and how to attempt to scoop and score. Just in case a ball pops free, the Bears hope to maximize their opportunities to secure it.Įberflus considers all of this a mindset that needs to be instilled and then strengthened. Everything you need to know about this week’s NFL scouting combine, including the top prospects, the schedule - and the Bears’ priorities ]Īnd for those defenders who aren’t among the first two or three to the ball, hustle and pursuit will be emphasized.
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