Bear Goggles On
Fansided

Chicago Bears Roster Breakdown 2016: Defense

By Mike Curran

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Safeties:

Projected Starters: Adrian Amos & Harold Jones-Quartey

This is the same duo that started at the end of last season. Adrian Amos’ play last year was a very happy surprise. He made rookie mistakes like you would expect but more often than not he handled himself like a mature veteran. He is a bright spot in the back that gives Bears fans reason to be optimistic. Jones-Quartey is serviceable but is not the long-term answer opposite Amos.

Depth: Deon Bush & Deandre Houston-Carson

The current depth chart has Chris Prosinski backing up Adrian Amos. DeAndre Houston-Carson has a great deal more value on special teams than Prosinski and this will more than likely make him a keeper on the 53 man roster to back-up Amos. Many analysts thought that rookie Deon Bush was the favorite to start next to Amos. As camp has gone on his physical ability has been apparent, but the difficulty to learn an NFL defense has caused Bush to struggle at times. Be that as it may, it’s only a matter of time before Bush supplants Jones-Quartey in the starting line-up.

Next: Chicago Bears Roster Breakdown 2016: Offense

Best Case: This unit is still a couple of years away from reaching their true potential. Amos exceeded expectations as a rookie last year becoming a solid and reliable starter in the back of the defense. Finding a competent starter next to Amos has been the biggest difficulty and unless Deon Bush makes huge strides in a short amount of time Jones-Quartey will be the starter week 1. Amos makes this unit respectable and will only continue to improve over the course of the season.

Worst Case: Vic Fangio and John Fox have a lot of faith in Amos and there’s no reason not to. The weakness of this group is if Jones-Quartey can’t hold up his side of the field and the rookies get pushed into big roles before they are ready.

Cap Hit: Adrian Amos (583k), Harold Jones-Quartey (525k), Deon Bush (582k), DeAndre Houston-Carson (485k). All of these guys are on rookie deals that are very affordable. With Amos and Bush being the likely starting combo in a year or two this is a great bargain for the Bears.

Projected 2016 Ranking: 14-18

Home/Chicago Bears News