Via Carmen Vitali
FOX Sports NFC North Writer
There is no way around it; this is a year of rebuilding Chicago Bears. While most of the spotlight is on their young midfielder, Justin Fieldsand the second attack system that he’s had to learn over the years, there’s also a complete change on the other side of the ball.
The transition from a 3-4 (three midfielders, four defenders) to a 4-3 (four midfielders, three defenders) is not what it used to be. Teams spend more time in side packs, choosing to put more class defenders on the field with nickel or coins, provided the defense picks up on the threats that are required to face these days. .
As that happens, two main defensive concepts come together. A pack of nickel (with five defensive defenders on the field) is largely the same across the entire area, no matter what your base is. And for that, defensive turnaround times are expected to be faster than ever.
The reality is we’ve only played five games of the season and the Bears have adjustments to make. Not only did they transform the concept, to whatever happens today, but they also have some great listing sales.
However, the crux of the defense remains: linebacker Roquan Smith.
As an inside supporter in the 3-4 system like he was drafted in Chicago, Smith is used to being in the middle of it all. He wears a green dot on gamedays, signifying that he has direct communication with defensive coordinator Alan Williams through a headset in his helmet. He relays calls to the rest of the defense on the pitch and checks in on himself based on what he sees.
So just as Fields was tasked with understanding, implementing, and taking responsibility for a new system, so was Smith. Although Smith could be a bit easier with it.
“We play a lot of nickel in the NFL, so there’s a lot of transitions from the systems [Smith has] “Although it’s not like what we have, there’s a lot of similarities – maybe just different words or different fronts, but mostly football. Don’t make it complicated like So he’s really good. He’s embraced it. I think we’re still seeing him go through this process and I think he’s just getting better and better every week.”
Smith is on a one-year contract with the Bears. Contract negotiations broke down pre-season when a long-term extension was completed. Smith, who had no representation, re-established the market for inner patrons on his own. Without many fancy stats, the performance of full-backs is more difficult to determine. For example, the highest total number of layoffs in a single season of Smith’s career was, which he completed during his rookie campaign in 2018. So that’s a tough position to maneuver. than.
“I think Roquan is obviously really smart, loves football,” Borgonzi said. “In terms of teaching it and him understanding it, he catches up very quickly and he’s great.”
It’s not hard to see Smith as one of the best in his position, even if he’s not quite comfortable in his defence. He’s tied for the league’s top spot in one metric where he can excel as a backfield midfielder: tackles, with 54 over five games.
“I think he did a great job of digesting everything,” Borgonzi said. “He’s been in the NFL for five years, so he’s a really good veteran in terms of leadership and helping young boys. He’s really fun to coach.”
That permeates even his appearances to the media. You will rarely find Smith without a smile on his face. He joked with reporters, commented on their kicks, challenged them to walk in the joke. He has an extremely approachable demeanor, almost in contrast to his ferocity on the football field.
That’s what makes guys want to follow him. It’s all the invisible stuff you need in a defensive platform. He has been elected team captain again this season, despite the fact that the vote took place after he asked to hold the exchange during the aforementioned contract negotiations. It says a lot about his kind of teammate – and once he decided to come back, he went with it.
“Honestly, I didn’t think about it until I got here with you guys if I’m being completely honest,” Smith said of his impending contract. “When I’m out there, I’m out there having fun like a kid, enjoying it with the boys.”
He seems to feel a deep sense of responsibility towards the defense in general. Carrying the green dot and forwarding calls is a microcosm of the responsibility he feels towards his entire team. And though the Bears aren’t where they want to be yet, there’s no panic for their leader, even as he himself is in for a year of proof.
“We’re definitely still getting to know each other,” Smith said. “Some of the guys have never played together before, but that’s not an excuse for anything and it’s just about going out and making sure we know our jobs. .”
The Chicago Bears come with a kind of pedigree when it comes to defense. That’s what the brand has historically been known for, and it’s not something Smith wants to change. His unit is still a unit to be proud of and even if they don’t quite have their identity under this new regime, Smith knows what he wants it to be. And it’s simple.
“Just guys flying around, hitting you in the mouth and [do] our work. “
Carmen Vitali covers NFC North for FOX Sports. Carmen has had previous stops with The Draft Network and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, including 2020, adding the title of Super Bowl Champion (and boat parade participant) to her résumé. You can follow Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV.
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