NFL Chicago Bears

5 Things Vic Fangio Must Do To Improve Chicago Bears’ Defense in 2015

5 Things Vic Fangio Must Do To Improve Chicago Bears' Defense in 2015

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Now that the Chicago Bears went in a solid direction defensively by signing Vic Fangio to be their new defensive coordinator, he has much work to do to improve one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Take a look at five things Fangio must do to improve their defense for a much better 2015 NFL season.

5. Rebuild Respect Amongst Teammates

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5. Rebuild Respect Amongst Teammates

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It's no secret that last year the Bears had a pretty terrible season. They were in the bottom of most categories defensively and have been known to yell at each other during tough losses. Fangio will need to rebuild respect and bring the defensive unit together as a team. Once they establish, things are going to go in a much different direction, and everyone should be on board to give it all they got to succeed in 2015.

4. Don't Overspend in Free Agency

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4. Don't Overspend in Free Agency

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While at the time many believed the idea of bringing defensive end Jared Allen in via free agency would do wonders for the Bears, many also believed they completely overspent on the veteran. The Bears gave him a lucrative four-year, million deal as he put up nowhere near the numbers they thought they would get out of him based on his past. Once free agency comes up again, Fangio must make sure they don't overpay for aging defenders.

3. Bolster Pass Rush via Free Agency

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3. Bolster Pass Rush via Free Agency

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Considering that the Bears are in dire need of improving their pass rush, there will be plenty of free agent defensive ends, linebackers and defensive backs that could fill this need without exactly breaking the bank. Take, for example, Jerry Hughes of the Buffalo Bills, who will be a free agent this year. Hughes brings some much-needed pass rush and is a player on the rise. Fangio needs defenders like him to contribute immediately.

2. Use John Fox's Defensive Mindset

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2. Use John Fox's Defensive Mindset

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New head coach John Fox not only brings leadership and the fundamentals to succeed, but he also brings a vast knowledge of defense. Fangio is also another terrific defensive mastermind and together they should be able to put the Bears' defense on the forefront of success in 2015. It's imperative that Fangio works together with Fox to ensure the right talent and defensive schemes are set to make some noise in 2015.

1. Draft OLB Dante Fowler Jr.

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1. Draft OLB Dante Fowler Jr.

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The Bears' incompetent defense is what ultimately is the biggest weakness on the team. Once the 2015 NFL Draft hits, Fangio must make it known that in order for the Bears to get back to winning, it all starts with defense. Linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. is the exact kind of athlete the Bears need to draft if he's available with their seventh overall pick in the first round. His speed and tackling will help bring back their defensive identity.

Luis Tirado Jr. is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @LTJ81, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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