Ryan Pace gets a lot of heat from Chicago Bears fans. Much of it is warranted. The GM has a number of misguided player acquisitions on his track record. People blame him for being a primary reason this team hasn’t accomplished as much as it should have the past three years. While much of the criticism is fair, nobody can argue Pace has done a lot of good things too. Perhaps his strongest trait? Being able to identify defensive line talent.
It really is uncanny how many good linemen the man has located on that side of the ball. Nothing emphasizes this more than his work in the free agent market. It seems like almost every year Pace signs a somewhat overlooked name to an affordable deal and that player immediately exceeds expectations.
2015: Signs Jarvis Jenkins for $825,000
- He had a career-high four sacks that year
2016: Signs Akiem Hicks for $10 million over two years
- Had 15.5 sacks over those two years. Eventually made the Pro Bowl.
2019: Signs Nick Williams for $895,000
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- Posted six sacks that season. A career-high.
2020: Signs Mario Edwards Jr. for $1.6 million
- Grabbed four sacks. Again, a career-high.
Pace just has a knack for this and it appears he may have done it again. Back in March, the Bears raised a few eyebrows when they signed veteran Angelo Blackson to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million. Up until that point, the former 4th round pick had played a journeyman career, bouncing between three different teams with somewhat inconsistent results. Just two games into his Chicago tenure? It looks like Pace did it again.
In the opener against Los Angeles, Blackson was a significant presence against the run, getting regular penetration and making life difficult for the Rams running backs.
Then in the home opener against Cincinnati, the veteran really made his presence felt. Not only did he have two run stops and a hit on quarterback Joe Burrow. He also delivered one of the plays of the game, intercepting Burrow in the 4th quarter. Considering he’s only played 51 total snaps so far? His impact has been significant.
Ryan Pace deserves credit where it is due
Despite limited resources, the GM continues finding ways to keep his defense strong. Blackson’s contributions have been a big help as they try to find their identity under new defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Not only that, but a number Pace’s recent draft acquisitions have really begun to blossom as well. Roquan Smith is an emerging star at inside linebacker. Jaylon Johnson is one of the highest-rated cornerbacks in the NFL through two games. Bilal Nichols notched his first sack of the season.
Say what you will about Ryan Pace, but the man knows how to find defensive talent. Especially up front. Blackson should be a quality member of their rotation this season. The fact the line played as well as it did the past two weeks without Eddie Goldman and Edwards Jr. speaks to its impressive depth. Presuming those two return this week, it should only get better moving forward.