There were rumblings early in training camp that Noah Sewell was making a big impression on the new Chicago Bears coaching staff. The former 5th round pick had spent his first two seasons of his career as a backup and special teams player. Most didn’t think he’d amount to much as time went on. However, his demise might’ve been greatly exaggerated. The linebacker announced his presence to the NFL world in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing their starting offense, Sewell racked up five tackles and a forced fumble on the opening drive alone. Yet the best part came at the end.
Facing 4th and goal from the one-yard line, Sewell knifed into the backfield and stuffed running back Jaylen Wright for a loss. It was the kind of play that often cements a starting job.
Even when he was drafted, it was always felt that Sewell had starting ability. He’d been a productive player in college. The knock on him was always a lack of speed, making him a liability in coverage. However, that was never his game. He’s a downhill player who thrives attacking the line of scrimmage both as a tackler and blitzer. Naturally, he ends up in a defense that didn’t utilize him that way.
Noah Sewell is finally in the perfect scheme.
Dennis Allen is widely known as one of the more aggressive defensive coordinators in the NFL. His linebackers play downhill all the time. If anybody had the expertise to utilize Noah Sewell the right way, it was Allen. We’re already seeing the results. He should be a big help in run defense this season while serving as that extra body the Bears can throw at the quarterback occasionally. He has the power and size to overwhelm running backs in pass protection, which is often the matchup he’ll face. Sewell may never become a star, but seeing him get this opportunity is still a great story. It is also another feather in the cap for GM Ryan Poles, who took him three years ago.
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