Chicago Bears Getting Back To Basics By Rebuilding The Defense

After former general manager Phil Emery and head coach Mark Trestman failed miserably at transforming the Chicago Bears into the NFL's next unstoppable offensive juggernaut, the new front office regime has apparently decided to get back to focusing on defense. 

New GM Ryan Pace and new head coach John Fox kicked off the Bears 2015 season by trading star receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets for just a fifth round draft pick.  The duo then clearly set their sights on revamping a defense that had, quite frankly, becoming a laughing stock under the previous administration.

Signing highly sought after free agent linebacker Pernell McPhee to a five year deal got things going.  In an effort to bolster their horrendous secondary, Bears brass said goodbye to their underwhelming safety Chris Conte and quickly inked 3 time pro bowl safety Antrel Rolle to a three year contract.

Additionally, nearly every NFL analyst and mock draft board points towards Chicago using their upcoming seventh overall pick in April's draft on either a robust defensive tackle or perhaps an explosive linebacker. 

After publically declaring the organization will indeed stick with turnover prone and controversial quarterback Jay Cutler, Bears officials have wisely shifted the focus back to building a ferocious defense.  Alleviating the pressure for Cutler to be a heroic gun-slinging, prolific passer could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Bears identity has always centered around their bruising, ball-hawking, team defense.  They even utilized that tried and true formula to nearly win the 2006 championship with lackluster QB Rex Grossman under center.   

Although they were unable to topple all-time great Peyton Manning and his Indianapolis Colts in that soggy Super Bowl, the 13-3 NFC champion Bears proved that a dominant defense coupled with a capable offense could indeed succeed.

Clearly that philosophy has not been lost on the newest boss.  As the recent successes of the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks have proven, "Defense does indeed win championships."