Ryan Pace Proving He Can Rebuild Chicago Bears Defense
By Erik Lambert
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) intercepts a pass intended for Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Pernell McPhee
While Ndamukong Suh was getting all the headlines for his record-breaking deal in Miami, the Bears were signing a young man named Pernell McPhee to a far more modest $38.75 million. The reason so few had heard of him at that point was because he’d spent most of his career as a backup in Baltimore.
Pace had gambled that the 26-year olds’ breakout season in 2014 (7.5 sacks) was a sign that he was trending up and ready to become a starter. On top of that, he liked the attitude and intensity with which McPhee played. The Bears defense needed more of that.
Pace has been proven correct. McPhee has become the unquestioned leader on this new unit and does so with voice and production. Through four games he has 24 tackles, two sacks and an interception. Not to mention he’s a huge presence against the run. This guy is a building block they sorely need for what’s to come.
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