Chicago Bears: Finding The Defensive Flash Point
By Erik Lambert
There are many different ways to build a great defense in the NFL. The Chicago Bears should know this give how many they’ve had over the years.
Once again they are embarking on a quest to have another. This time it’s young GM Ryan Pace leading the way with veteran head coach John Fox providing the guidelines for what types of players he’s looking for. There isn’t a singular method to building a defense. Some go by scheme type. Certain teams want a strong secondary. Others prefer a loaded front seven. Both have met with positive results.
What it comes down to is something called a “flash point.” It’s not an actual football terms, but it offers a choice of words to describe that exact moment when a good defense transformed into a great one. How can one pinpoint such a thing? Easy. Identify when the team finally managed to pair a top pass rusher with a top corner.
It sounds simple but is far from easy. Few teams are able to accomplish that goal at any given time. The Bears did in 2010 when they landed Julius Peppers to go along with Pro Bowl corner Charles Tillman. As a result the defense jumped from 21st in points allowed to 4th. Need further proof? Let’s take a look around the league at the top defenses and see if we can find their flash points.
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