From 3 LBs to 6 DBs? Bears testing every package in camp

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 4 hours ago

CHICAGO - Part of what makes a defense powerful is when it is unpredictable.

Knowing that, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is using training camp as an opportunity to test different defensive packages to increase the defense’s versatility.

“I just think it gives us a little bit more versatility. Versatility from a coverage standpoint, what we want to do coverage-wise. Just gives us a little bit more versatility and yet, we’re not married to any particular package,” Allen said. “We’re going to explore a lot of different things, a lot of different packages and we’re going to throw a lot of stuff up against the wall. We’re going to see what sticks and ultimately, that’s what we’re going to do, put our guys in the best position to be successful … Our job as coaches is to find the best 11 to give us the best opportunity to play successful defense and whatever that package is. Is it three linebackers? Is it two linebackers? Is it five DBs, six DBs? And that could vary from week to week.”

Chicago’s defense was about average until midway through the season when defensive tackle Andrew Billings went down with an injury. Then, the run defense really took a nosedive, and the defense overall was somewhat predictable. Versatility was not emphasized last season.

However, Allen understands the importance of backups and roster limitations, making players who can play multiple positions more valuable.

“Anytime you can have guys that have versatility that can play multiple positions, it gives us the flexibility to do a lot of different things and when you go into a game and you got 48 guys dressed on gameday or whatever the case may be, guys that can play multiple spots, you have an injury or two and then now, all of a sudden you got guys that can play multiple spots. It allows you to put your best 11 on the field and so, I think being able to cross-train players is going to pay off and pay benefits for us as we get into the season because the season is a game of attrition,” Allen said. “That’s what the NFL is … The NFL is a backup league which means this. It means at some point, your backup players are going to have to go in and play and we’re going to expect that they’re going to be able to perform at a level that gives us an opportunity to be successful. So, having guys that can play multiple positions just gives us flexibility in terms of how we deploy our personnel.”

The defense suffered a blow in training camp with one of their second-round picks, defensive lineman Shemar Turner. Turner suffered an ankle injury on Monday and, per Brad Biggs with the Chicago Tribune, could be out at least four weeks.

This could put his availability for the season opener on Mon. Sept. 8 (7:15 p.m. / ABC) is in jeopardy.

“It’s difficult. It’s a challenge. So, the thing that he has to be able to do right now is, number one, attack the rehab and try to get back out as quickly as he can and then he’s got to make sure that he’s focused in on the things that he can do in terms of the meetings because when we’re making corrections on the field or in the meeting room, we’re not just making corrections for that particular individual that we might be speaking to. We’re speaking to the whole room and so, his ability to comprehend those things in the meeting room, I think, is going to be huge for his development and his progression,” Allen said. It’s unfortunate that he had an injury and so, the game goes on and so, we’ve got to be able to coach the hell out of the guys that are out there and try to get him back out as quickly as we can and then once we get him out there, try to get him caught up to speed as quickly as we can.”