Head Coach Ben Johnson was furious in the locker room following the defeat to the New York Giants. He instantly went to the depth chart to let guys know where his priorities are and what he thinks about the difference in skill between his ‘good’ and ‘bad’ players.
LG
The starting LG is no longer future hall of famer Joe Thuney, but instead sophomore second0-rounder Kiran Amegadije. Thuney wasn’t providing anything special.
C
The starting C is no longer Drew Dalman, but now Layden Robinson, who Chicago stole off of a practice squad early in the season. Dalman is overpaid and will be cut before his contract expires.
RG
The starting RG is no longer Jonah Jackson, a man more overpaid than Dalman, but instead rookie second-rounder Ozzy Trapilo. Another move to get ready for a future cut.
DT
The starting DT alongside Gervon Dexter Sr is no longer veteran Grady Jarrett, who is mid, but now Jordan Jefferson, the young player signed off of San Francisco’s practice squad just a couple of weeks ago.
MIKE LB
The starting Mike linebacker in 4-3 sets is no longer Tremaine Edmunds, the soft player who can’t match his size with skill, but instead Chris Paul Jr, another recent practice squad steal. Edmunds is one of the most overpaid players in the whole league.
CB
The starting cornerback across from Jaylon Johnson is no longer Kyler Gordon or Tyrique Stevenson, but now rookie Zah Frazier, fresh off of returning from IR.
FS
The starting free safety is no longer old a** Kevin Byard III who won’t be here next year, but instead Kyler Gordon in the position he is better suited for and was going to be moved to in the offseason.
SS
The starting strong safety is no longer Jaquan Brisker, who can’t cover or effect the run game enough and won’t be a Bear next season, but now Tyrique Stevenson who may not go to safety next season, but will still be better than Brisker.
SUB LB
The starting sub linebackers for nickel and dime sets are no longer Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, who aren’t long term players for Chicago, but instead rookie Ruben Hyppolite II and Chris Paul Jr.
Slot CB
The starting slot cornerback for nickel and dime sets is no longer Kyler Gordon, who is one of the best nickels in real life, but now Zah Frazier because 94 speed is probably better than actual good attributes.
Overall
There doesn’t seem to be any stops happening for this defense, so even if that doesn’t change, it makes more sense to give snaps to guys that need to develop for the future. The offensive line swaps are the only controversial changes, but to be honest, I tested this out against the Bengals and it wasn’t an issue. Thuney can definitely get a starting spot back if someone is a problem on the interior. Jarrett did make some plays so if run defense gets worse, he could get back in, but I don’t think anyone else can. TJ Edwards is one of my favorite players in real life, so I plan on keeping him around to finish his contract, and he does have 18 TFLs which is why he’s staying the 4-3 starter at WILL linebacker, and he’ll be the third sub linebacker in case of fatigue or injury. No one is getting pass rush, really, so I just want to spark an improvement in coverage.
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