Most of the focus in training camp is on the offense. This happens every year for the Chicago Bears. It is a byproduct of knowing that side of the ball has been the organization’s biggest weakness for decades. Until that changes, fans will keep stressing over it. That said, cornerback Kyler Gordon has urged the fans to cheer for the defense too. They’re a key part of this effort to win a championship. While the offense has seen plenty of its number earn celebrity status through the first weeks of camp, some equally encouraging updates have come from the defensive side.
One of them has gone almost completely unnoticed.
The Bears signed two-time Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett in March to a considerable deal. It was somewhat surprising at the time. While Jarrett had been a tremendous player in the past, some wondered if he had any juice left after his somewhat down 2024 season. Granted, he was recovering from a torn ACL the previous season. Still, he’s 32 years old. It isn’t easy to know what he can offer at this point. Based on updates from camp, it may have been a mistake to count him out.
The Chicago Bears can be a force with a reinvigorated Jarrett.
Gervon Dexter was a solid three-technique last season, notching five sacks and 19 QB hits. However, even he admitted it isn’t his natural position. He’s always been more of a nose tackle. Jarrett is the personification of a three-tech: quick, explosive, and masterful at shooting gaps. His ability to create havoc and confusion in the backfield was something the Chicago Bears didn’t really have last season. This is probably the best defensive front Jarrett has played on in years. Dexter, Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Andrew Billings will flank him. All good players. Their presence won’t allow opposing offenses to double-team Jarrett as they did in Atlanta regularly. Even at 32, plenty of evidence proves the defensive tackle is impossible to block one-on-one. That is the goal for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and it’s working.
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