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The Chicago Bears no longer control their own destiny after being 8-5 just a couple of weeks ago with a one-game division lead. They’ve now dropped two straight, falling below the Vikings in the NFC North, but also below the Cowboys and Seahawks, all the way down to the 8th place in the NFC, and without a postseason matchup. Ben Johnson, being a perfectionist, authorized some moves to help the team down the stretch squeeze in to the playoffs, while still planning for the future if things stay out of their control.
More Speed For Drags and Stretches
WILL LB Chris Paul Jr Moved to Practice Squad
Chris Paul Jr was stolen off of the Titans’ practice squad early on the season and quickly got on the field. He played very solid, but is still learning and isn’t quite good enough at run defense or pass defense to justify playing. So, with Chicago in their current position, it made more sense to let him be retained on the practice squad amongst their farm of young talent.
WILL LB Kamu Grugier-Hill Signed to Active Roster
Paul Jr was no slouch, but he routinely couldn’t keep up with running backs and tight ends underneath, leaving him in pursuit, where any young linebacker tends to struggle. That led the Bears to Grugier-Hill, who is a seasoned player that has elite athleticism, meaning he can do what is needed in staying on drags and outside runs. Even if he doesn’t get in on regular defense, he’s bound to make a difference on special teams with that quickness.
A Mentor and Leader
RG Layden Robinson Moved to Practice Squad
Simply put, Layden Robinson is a good, young player who Chicago moved to their practice squad so he could stay around past this season, maybe even starting next year. Robinson was another find by the Bears’ front office digging into the league’s practice squads, but he’s found a long-term home in the Windy City.
RG Mark Glowinski Signed to Active Roster
Glowinski was the easy pick to replace Layden Robinson, as he was the best right guard sitting in free agency, and the only mentor at any position I’ve seen this year. While I think that’s a Madden issue and many will be given the tag once we hit the offseason, his mentorship can extend to anyone on the offensive line and help them perform better. His leadership after being in the league and on good offensive lines for so long is bound to help the Bears in their playoff push.
An Upgrade With Veteran Experience
DT Jordan Jefferson Moved to Practice Squad
The last of the practice squad stashes for Chicago, Jefferson was stolen off an opposing roster early in the season and was given playing time along other young, unproven players trying to earn a role with the Bears beyond this season. Jefferson didn’t do anything special on the field, but he did enough to be retained for the future, although it means missing out on the Bears’ last gasp at the postseason and the playoff games themself, if it happens.
DT DaVon Hamilton Signed to Active Roster
Jordan Jefferson was the least effective of the depth chart substitutes that stemmed in youth, so Chicago got a real chance to make an improvement at a position of need. The front office landed on Hamilton, who isn’t too old at 28, but can be a key in stopping the run with his strength and ability to shed blocks. It’s unclear how many snaps he’ll get when rotating with Grady Jarrett and Andrew Billings, but the Bears want to find what will work to win the last games by any means necessary.
To Light a Fire or Find a Gem
FS Elijah Hicks Released
Hicks had been the only healthy Chicago Bear on either side of the ball to not play a single snap, so the front office took this opportunity of growth to stop giving him free money and open up a roster spot for someone who can contribute on a weekly basis. Although, Elijah Hicks deserves a shoutout for making it through 3 and a half seasons of a rookie contract as a seventh-rounder, that’s not common.
SS Darrick Forrest Signed to Active Roster
Forrest was a surprise to see in free agency, as his age and athleticism are among the best of all unsigned players at any position. It made sense to bring him on, the front office wanted to stay at ten defensive backs and not drop down to nine. Alternatively, he is a very similar player to Jaquan Brisker. They both excel in run defense and struggle in coverages and they both are 25 years old on expiring contracts. Their difference in skill is supposed to benefit Brisker, but whatever happens on the field matters more, and Forrest has the ability to close gaps better. Darrick Forrest’s arrival signals one thing for the Bears defense and Brisker, himself: It’s now or never.
“Win on 3”
Ben Johnson announced these changes for one reason: to finish strong and win games, maybe even a playoff contest. He broke down the huddle after welcoming the new players with a simple yet emphatic “Win on 3”, the only thing the Chicago Bears have to do in their final two games.
