Makeover Not Complete for Aging Chicago Bears Defense

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of University of Phoenix Stadium as reflected in a Chicago Bears helmet during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

No one likes the word “rebuilding” when it comes to their favorite team.  Phil Emery had a major task for the 2014 offseason – rebuild one of the worst defenses in the league on the fly without calling it a full on rebuilding project.  One of the objectives for the Bears was to get younger on defense.  That’s one area where they’ve failed to succeed so far.  By bringing back veterans like Charles Tillman and Jeremiah Ratliff and adding Jared Allen, the average age of the defense hasn’t exactly headed south.  In fact, here’s the projected starting lineup and the age of the players when the 2014 season kicks off:

DE Jared Allen (32)

DT Jeremiah Ratliff (32)

DT Stephen Paea (25)

Aug 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) and cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. The Browns beat the Bears 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

DE Lamarr Houston (26)

WLB Lance Briggs (33)

MLB DJ Williams (31)

SLB Shea McClellin (24)

CB Charles Tillman (33)

CB Tim Jennings (30)

S Chris Conte (25)

S Ryan Mundy (29)