10 Reasons The Chicago Bears Will Win The NFC North

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Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) during the first half of the preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Fast linebackers

Among the things that made the 2015 defense difficult to watch at times was the constant inability of the linebackers to chase down ball carriers before they made big gains. Guys like Shea McClellin and Christian Jones were slow to react and slow to make the play. It’s for that reason the team overhauled a large portion of the depth chart at that position. A big emphasis during the process was speed. The coaches wanted guys who could cover lots of ground.

They succeeded in that regard. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman are two inside linebackers known for range both as run defenders and in coverage. Joining them is rookie 1st round pick Leonard Floyd at outside linebacker who has one of the quickest first steps in the draft, not to mention a speed and fluidity that is pretty remarkable for a guy his size. Getting that onto the field will help the defense because they can clean up a lot of the minor mistakes.

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