John Fox Has A Knack For Finding Great Pass Rushers
By Erik Lambert
Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox looks on as his team plays the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Chicago defeated St. Louis 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few weeks, the identity of the Chicago Bears has become clearer. Where they’re strong, and where they’re weak. Thanks to the resurgence of Jay Cutler as well as the (often unexpected) blossoming of other players on the roster, most experts agree that the team should have one overarching priority going into the 2016 off-season.
Find more pass rush help.
#Bears desperately need another pass rusher McPhee is running on fumes
— Aaron Reyes (@_Awake13_) November 10, 2015
#bears defensively are competing, but have seen last 2 games their talent is lacking in the areas needed at crunch time, pass rusher & cb
— Travis Collier (@donutsmuggler) November 1, 2015
The Bears' pass rush sans Pernell McPhee is a nightmarish hellscape.
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) November 15, 2015
McPhee unquestionably looks like a long-term starter who can get consistent heat on the quarterback, but great defenses are often built around two or even three who can do that. If anybody knows this lesson well, it’s Bears head coach John Fox. Having been around pro football since the 1980s and a head coach for 13 years, he’s shown an affinity for defense and one of his calling cards is a smart eye for players who can put the passer on his back.
Here is a list of names he acquired while in charge:
- Julius Peppers (8x Pro Bowler)
- Charles Johnson (63.5 sacks)
- Greg Hardy (1x Pro Bowler)
- Von Miller (3x Pro Bowler)
- Malik Jackson
- Shaquil Barrett
This doesn’t include free agents his teams have brought in over the years like DeMarcus Ware. Suffice to say Fox knows what a pass rusher looks like. Every time his team has spent a 1st round pick on one, it has gone on to become not only a great player but one of the best players in the game. That can only mean good thing for the Bears defense provided that’s where they focus next off-season.