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5 Ways the Chicago Bears Will Benefit From Switch to 3-4 Defense

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5 Ways the Chicago Bears Will Benefit From Switch to 3-4 Defense

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With the hiring of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, it seems like the Bears are headed toward a 3-4 defense. This is going to drastically change the way the once-vaunted Monsters of the Midway run their defense, but it will benefit them in the short and long term. These are the five biggest benefits the Bears will get from the base defense change.

5. More Exotic Blitz Packages

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5. More Exotic Blitz Packages

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With four linebackers, there are more blitz options for the defense. In recent years, it has seemed like the Bears defense has gotten very vanilla and bland. A switch to a defense that allows for some creativity is what the boys over at Halas Hall have needed for some time.

4. Leaves Less Room for Check-Down Passes

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4. Leaves Less Room for Check-Down Passes

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In the last two years, while the Bears defense has gone down the toilet, they've gotten nickel and dimed to death with short passes underneath the defense. With four linebackers to cover more ground in the middle of the field, opposing teams should have less room to operate as long as the linebacking corps tackles well.

3. Makes Defensive Linemen More Versatile

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3. Makes Defensive Linemen More Versatile

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With players like Shea McClellin and Lamarr Houston, outside linebacker spots are going to be filled. The team tried transitioning McClellin to outside linebacker last season to no avail, but perhaps he can succeed in a true 3-4 defense. As long as Houston stays healthy, he's a viable option at outside linebacker as well.

2. Covers Up for Lack of Linebackers

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2. Covers Up for Lack of Linebackers

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It's no secret the Bears have been suffering in the linebacking corps for a couple of years and ironically, adding a linebacker actually covers up some of their issues there. Spreading the responsibility among more players will take the pressure off each individual linebacker. So while they will have four linebackers instead of three, they should have less trouble finding players to plug in to the new system.

1. Expands Draft Options

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1. Expands Draft Options

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While the Bears could take a traditional outside linebacker in the draft if they were running the 4-3 defense, most players in that category would be considered a stretch at No. 7. However, if they're running the 3-4 defense, they have plenty more options for pass-rushing outside linebacker. One player, who may not slip to the Bears at No. 7, is Shane Ray out of Missouri, who seems like he would fit right in to the system.

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