Chicago Bears Week 7: What To Look For

Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Play the young, athletic linebackers!

Last week, the Bears were without most of their top linebackers. It was a concern having young, untested linebackers going against the high octane Atlanta offense.

All fears were eased, however, when three of the top four tacklers in the game were the replacement linebackers.

Darryl Sharpton and Christian Jones showed their athleticism, flying around the field. All the replacements did so well that some called for a change in the depth chart at linebacker.

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said there would not be a change in the depth chart, but I would expect the athletic backups to get more playing time going on than they have previously.

Sharpton is looking to have a good game himself, having played for the MIami Hurricanes during his collegiate years.

This is exactly how general manager Phil Emery envisioned the new-look defense. He wanted the defense to have a mix of young and veteran players, and he wanted the unit to be faster and more athletic. All that was on display in Atlanta.

Playing the backup linebackers will greatly help the older starters. Lance Briggs and D.J. Williams can use some rest so they could be fresher at the end of games.

The pressure could come down on Jonathan Bostic. He is still overpursuing on a lot of plays, and he may now see that the guys on the bench may look to take his spot. This may light a fire in him so he can play more disciplined.

The Bears have a nice mix of linebackers, and the play is starting to take shape. We should see them continue to improve against the Dolphins.