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Chicago Bears News: Pernell McPhee drops 25 pounds

By Jordan Campbell

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee has been a disappointment thus far for the Chicago Bears.

McPhee was the first big free agent signing of general manager Ryan Pace’s tenure with the team. McPhee has only appeared in 23 games during his first two seasons with the Bears while only totaling 10 sacks. McPhee promised to be violent once when he joined the Bears but the only violence that occurred was to his knee. McPhee has dealt with knee injuries in each of his first two seasons with the Bears.

In an effort to avoid any further knee injuries, McPhee has gotten in better shape this off-season. McPhee told reporters on Wednesday that he has dropped 25 pounds this off-season. McPhee says the weight loss will make him a dangerous player next season.

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"“Dangerous,” he said. “It’s going to be dangerous. Obviously last year wasn’t great and the year before wasn’t a great one, so now hopefully by me losing weight, staying focused, we can turn this thing around.”"

Logic would suggest that losing weight should increase the chance that McPhee will stay healthy entering the 2017 season.

With less weight on the knee, McPhee’s mobility and durability should increase. The hope is the weight loss will transfer McPhee from being a disappointment to a success story. McPhee was meant to lead the new era of the Bears’ defense under head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The issue, until this point, has been that McPhee has struggled to stay on the field due to health reasons.

Next: Chicago Bears looking to cut down injuries

Hopefully, with the weight loss, McPhee can emerge as an important piece to the Chicago Bears’ defense in 2017.

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