Chicago Bears: First Scenario To Upgrade Defense In 2016

Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jaye Howard (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agency: Sign Jaye Howard

The success of any defense starts up front. Teams that don’t have good defensive lines really don’t have the easiest time stopping any quarterback or running game worth anything with the rules slanted as they are. It’s no coincidence that several teams in the playoffs this year are teams that had strong defensive fronts.

Jaye Howard was part of one such front with the Kansas City Chiefs. While Dontari Poe gets most of the notoriety, among the other great players on that unit, Howard was one of their quiet, productive workhorses. He alternated all over the line, playing both end positions and even nose tackle.

Pro Football Focus credited him with seven sacks on opposing quarterbacks and a +15.9 rating against the run. A true two-way player who doesn’t ever have to come off the field. Putting him next to Eddie Goldman certainly wouldn’t hurt things up front for Chicago.

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