Chicago Bears: What to Watch for vs. Green Bay Packers Week 1

Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix & Buster Skrine

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 24: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Chicago Bears watches from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 24: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Chicago Bears watches from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

Two important parts of the Bears’ defense from a season ago are no longer a part of the team. Safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Bryce Callahan are now with the Packers and the Denver Broncos respectively. To fill those voids, Chicago signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Buster Skrine this offseason.

Clinton-Dix, who played four-and-a-half seasons with Green Bay, is the Bears’ new starting strong safety. With him sharing the secondary with All-Pro free safety Eddie Jackson, Chicago’s play against the pass shouldn’t be a problem. However, strong safety isn’t Clinton-Dix’s natural position, and he’s been noted as sometimes being a liability against the run.

As for Skrine, a nine-year veteran, he will have some big shoes to fill. Callahan was arguably the best slot corner in the NFL last season. Hopefully, both Clinton-Dix and Skrine can quickly mesh with the defense so that they can pick up where they left off in 2018.