This Chicago Bears corner must play more aggressive against Saints
The Chicago Bears are struggling on offense. The defense has been great outside of half of one game. However, if the team is going to push for the playoffs, one corner needs to play aggressive.
The Chicago Bears defense has been phenomenal most of the season. Even with the poor showing against the Oakland Raiders in London, the Bears defense is ranked fifth overall in defensive DVOA.
The team is eighth against the run and sixth against the pass. This opinion could be considered nit-picky, but I believe this one player on the Chicago Bears defense could be playing even better if he plays more aggressive. That player is Kyle Fuller.
Fuller has become one of the best corners in the NFL. Last season, Fuller was tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. This year he currently has two. However, one thing that seems different between the way Fuller has been playing in Chuck Pagano’s system compared to Vic Fangio’s system is how far off the ball he is playing.
I cannot tell you how often I have yelled at the television screen that Fuller needs to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Reports came out that he has been given the freedom to play this way. Fuller was told to play “his” game. The problem is, too often he is playing too close to the first down marker and lets up six to eight yards. This has to stop.
The reason Fuller keeps doing this is that he is trying to bait the receiver and the quarterback. If he is able to stay facing forward, he can keep his eyes on the quarterback and make a play on the ball. The approach is sound, but the frequency has been too often. I truly believe if Fuller was to play more aggressive at times, then interception opportunities might actually come more often.
This Sunday the Chicago Bears will face off against the New Orleans Saints. This means Kyle Fuller will see plenty of action against Michael Thomas. Thomas is one of the best receivers in the NFL and Kyle Fuller will need to bring his A-game if the Bears plan to win this game.