3 Reasons Dane Cruikshank fits the Chicago Bears new regime
By Dakota Wayne
Reason No. 3 Dane Cruikshank fits the Chicago Bears: He fills a need for a middle-of-the-field protector
With there being a focal point of having defensive guys that can play the middle of the field, Dane Cruikshank fills a need for the Chicago Bears, even if it’s just a niche need.
In a film breakdown of Cruikshank, he’s nicknamed the “Tight End Eraser,” and for good reason.
Cruikshank consistently shut down some of the league’s top tight ends, and with the Chicago Bears penciled in to see tight ends like T.J. Hockenson, Dawson Knox, George Kittle, and Kyle Pitts, there’s certainly a need for a tight end eraser on the Bears’ defense.
Even if he’s not an amazing defender on day one, the Bears got him at a cheap price, so it’s not like they emptied the bank in hopes for him to produce.
If he doesn’t, then the Bears will need to find a replacement with their massive amount of spending money next offseason or use a draft pick on a guy. On the other hand, if he works out, it’s a win-win. The Bears find their new guy, and Cruikshank gets more money to stay and build with the rest of the defense over time.
Given the importance of team chemistry on all sides of the ball, having a defensive group that gels with each other well is really important. Especially with all the communication going from one guy to the next. Some longevity for Cruikshank could be a good thing for him and the Chicago Bears.
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All-in-all, there’s certainly reason to think the Chicago Bears are a good fit for Dane Cruikshank; and if not, back to the drawing board for Ryan Poles and the Bears. But until then, he’s the only one that can beat himself for a true spot on this Bears defense.