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Chicago Bears: Explaining The Mastery of Ryan Pace

By Erik Lambert

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace walks on the sidelines before Chicago Bears against Detroit Lions NFL game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace walks on the sidelines before Chicago Bears against Detroit Lions NFL game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis (27) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis (27) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The 3rd phase

Lost in the euphoria of all the front page type of signings, it’s easy to miss how important it is for a GM to have an attention to detail.  Upgrading the offense and defensive starting lineups takes priority, but championship teams are also built through strong depth and the often-forgotten third phase of pro football:  special teams.

Pace quietly showed he hasn’t neglected that area of the team either. In the space of a few days he re-signed wide receiver Josh Bellamy and then brought back cornerback Sherrick McManis on new deals.  Each has proven adequate as depth options at their respective positions, but their true calling is as special teams aces.  Combined they had 27 tackles in punt and kickoff coverage in 2015.

Next: Draft

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