Lamarr Houston: Chicago Bears Roster Preview

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Believe it or not, the Chicago Bears regular season is on the horizon. As we approach the September 13th season opener, we’ll do a roster preview of each player on the roster heading into the season. First up, defensive linemen/outside linebacker/dumb sack celebrator Lamarr Houston.

The Bears and previous GM Phil Emery made Houston a top free agent target at the start of the 2014 league year. Houston was brought in from the Raiders on a 5-year, $35 million deal. Unfortunately for Houston and the Bears, the most memorable moment of his 2014 season was tearing his ACL while celebrating the sack of the Patriots backup quarterback in a lopsided loss in New England.

2014 was certainly a disappointing season for Houston, who was pressed into duty at tackle and wasn’t in a position to succeed very often:

"“It sucked because I was the new guy,” he said. “I got this big contract, and everybody was all excited, and they wanted to see me just get sacks. But, in reality, I was never in the position to do that.”"

Houston is in a unique position in 2015, assuming he returns to his pre-injury form. He has experience in a 3-4 defense, which should give him a leg up on some other Bears defenders. Houston will move from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker in Vic Fangio’s scheme.

I’m a little skeptical if Houston has the range to play on the outside and occasionally drop into coverage. Despite being listed at 300 pounds, Houston said he played at closer to 265 last season. No wonder he struggled when the Bears moved him inside.

What to Expect from Lamarr Houston in 2015

Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) celebrates a blocked punt during their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

First things first. Houston needs to get healthy. ACL’s can be tough for skill position guys and the quick change of direction that they require, but it can be equally difficult for defensive linemen and outside linebackers who need to be able to plant and fight off blocks with a strong base.

Don’t be surprised if Houston gets some veteran’s days off mixed throughout camp. Hopefully he’s good to go for the start of camp. Houston hopes to play like a wolf in 2015:

"“The wolf is one of the most savage animals out there,” Houston said. “When I play, I hope I’m playing like a wolf, just hunting, devouring whatever I need to devour and bringing it back to the family.”"

Moving to outside linebacker, you don’t know quite what to expect from Houston in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense. I’d like to think he can be a double digit sack guy, but his best season in Oakland only had 6 sacks and 17 in his 5-year career. He had just one sack – yes, that one – last season, so the next one will equal his Chicago Bears career output.

I’d be happy if Houston is ready for the season opener and can hold down one of the outside linebacker spots. Heck, if he can make it through a sack without blowing out a ligament, it will be a big accomplishment. I’ll set the bar for Houston at 50 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 takeaways. What do you think? What are your expectations for Lamarr Houston? Chime in in the Comments below.

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