The Chicago Bears had the utmost confidence that Chuck Pagano could replace Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator even before practices began. Fangio is undoubtedly a tremendous coach and was the architect behind rebuild the defense back to its customary place atop the NFL. However, that kind of success often leads to bigger opportunities and the veteran coordinator finally got his, becoming the head coach of the Denver Broncos.
This inevitably led to concerns about whether the defense could keep things going without him. Understandable since the Bears have been down this road before. Losing George Allen in the 1960s, Buddy Ryan after 1985, and Ron Rivera after 2006. The defenses were never quite the same after those events. Will it be the same with Fangio? That’s hard to say. One thing that is clear though is they believe Pagano is more than qualified to take up the mantle.
Matt Nagy has voiced his support constantly and it was apparently reinforced during the first padded practice of training camp. Not only did Pagano frustrate the offense with multiple different looks including more aggressive blitzing, but he also ensured the emphasis on turnovers was not slacking.
“The Bears have a new defensive coordinator in Chuck Pagano, but their emphasis on generating takeaways remains the same as it was under predecessor Vic Fangio.
That was evident in Sunday’s training camp practice when the defense turned two potentially big plays by the offense into turnovers.
First, All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson sprinted from the middle of the field to the sideline to intercept a long Mitchell Trubisky pass intended for receiver Anthony Miller. Later, defensive back Sherrick McManis executed a “Peanut Punch” that would have made former teammate Charles Tillman proud, forcing and recovering a Javon Wims fumble.”
Chuck Pagano is living up to his reputation
One of the big differences that experts said would happen when Pagano took over was a likely uptick in more aggressive play calling. For all the great things Fangio did, he was not known for an attacking mentality. His game was always bend but don’t break. Force offenses to march the length of the field without making a mistake. It can be spectacular when it works. However, it can tire a defense out and waste prime opportunities to get off the field.
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Pagano is not that type of coach. He believes in “wreaking havoc” as he told the media months ago. His great strength as a play caller was cleverly disguised blitzes meant to confuse quarterbacks and offensive lines. It worked to great effect in Baltimore. During his lone season as defensive coordinator, no fewer than 14 different players had at least one sack. He loves to sew chaos, ensuring one never knows who is coming or when.
Apparently, this has been the case thus far in practice. He’s bringing everybody after the quarterback including inside linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. No one is off-limits. This can be dangerous living at times because it opens one up to big plays, but the potential payoff of a quick three-and-out or a turnover is worth the risk. Nagy, with his aggressive mentality, likely wanted that.
This is probably why Pagano was hired in the first place.
