Chicago Bears 2016 Midseason Awards
Chicago Bears MVP: Jerrell Freeman
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If you don’t want to take my word for it, Pro Football Focus has rated Jerrell Freeman as the top middle linebacker in the NFL. In the wake of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman retiring, the Bears have been desperately searching for their next leader. After years without a marque player in the NFL, Freeman could finally be the man Bears fans have been yearning for. A player who is recognizable not just to Bear fans, but NFL fans in general.
Above all, the Bears have a long history of bone crushing defense. When Trestman took over as head coach in 2013, the defense bottomed out. With John Fox now leading the charge, defense has once again taken center stage. Leading the charge has been Jerrell Freeman who has already managed 72 tackles in just 8 games. While half a season doesn’t put Freeman with all time greats like Butkus and Singletary, it does hint at the bright future in store for Chicago with Freeman at the helm.
Freeman has not only spearheaded the defenses’ return to form, but perhaps the Bears returning to a contender in the NFC North.