Roquan Smith sounded like a young man who was frustrated by how 2019 ended. That’s not a surprise. He was playing the best football of his career in the second half of that season. Then in the blink of an eye, he tore his pectoral and was done for the year. Clearly he feels like he got robbed of the respect and notoriety he still hasn’t gotten from the wider NFL. So he is coming into 2020 with a chip on his shoulder.

Bears inside linebackers coach Mark Deleone can’t understand why. He already feels the young linebacker is one of the best at his position. Yet he’s already witnessed just how locked in Smith seems to be. During his first press conference appearance, the coach stated how much of a pest the linebacker is in meetings, constantly asking questions and blowing up his phone with texts.

In regards to the chip on his shoulder? Deleone thinks there isn’t much true disrespect out there. So Smith is using a tactic out of Michael Jordan’s playbook. If it’s not actually there, he’ll just invent it himself. The Chicago Bulls legend was notorious for doing that. Whatever it took to get himself motivated.

Roquan Smith can do whatever is necessary to deliver

This is not a bad thing at all. If Smith wants to emulate Jordan to make himself better, then more power to him. Jordan was the greatest ever for a reason. He was talented, sure. He also worked harder and competed harder than everybody else. Smith already has the talent. The only thing holding him back was the necessary work and a bout of favorable health. If he truly is focused on being great this year, then 2020 could end up being something special.

Don’t forget the 23-year old had over 100 sacks last season. This despite playing just 12 games. He was on his way to a Pro Bowl if not for the pec injury. This guy has a chance to become a superstar on a defense already filled with them. Now that Robert Quinn has arrived to take even more attention away from him, his chances just keep getting better.