The Chicago Bears defense was the best in the NFL last season. They finished 1st in almost every notable category including points allowed and takeaways. So it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to top what they did in 2018, especially with having to switch defensive coordinators. Vic Fangio left to become the head coach in Denver. He has since been succeeded by Chuck Pagano.
This has left many to wonder what the Bears are getting. Pagano is certainly experienced. He’s been in the NFL for almost 20 years now, most recently as head coach in Indianapolis. This led him to forge a relationship with former Colts All-Pro receiver Reggie Wayne. He appeared on NFL Network recently to talk about Pagano’s inheriting of Chicago’s defense.
One of the things he said about his former coach is that he is the antithesis of Fangio. Where one was known for being on the quieter side, focused on a calm, disciplined approach, Pagano is a talker. He’s animated and active, unafraid to speak his mind. Wayne loved and respected that about him. So when he asked his old coach what impressions he had of the unit he was taking over, the response he got was not hard to interpret.
Chuck Pagano understands the burden is on him
This situation is rather different from the norm. Normally when a defensive coordinator takes over, it’s because the unit underperformed and is lacking talent or direction. Such is not the case for the Bears. They were the best in the business last year. They know they have elite talent everywhere on the field. So the pressure is on Pagano to keep that engine humming.
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A challenge he is more than ready to embrace.
The good thing is he knows he doesn’t have to change much. When a team has the level of talent the Bears do, there is no need to overly complicate things. Just don’t get in their way and turn them loose. Keep them disciplined, focused, and motivated. The rest should take care of itself. By the sound of things, the players are already embracing what he has to say.
