Chicago Bears: Outside linebackers give hope to pass rush
The outside linebacker position for the Chicago Bears has been a top concern throughout camp. However, they could have a couple solutions opposite Leonard Floyd.
The Chicago Bears are desperate to find a compliment edge rusher to pair with Leonard Floyd. With Aaron Lynch still on the shelf with a nagging hamstring injury, someone must step up. Sam Acho, who is currently running with the ones, is not much of a pass rusher.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
That leaves the two young guys Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts. Irving really impressed in the game yesterday. His speed off the edge overwhelmed the Ravens’ offensive tackles. Irving by all reports has had a strong offseason and it showed last night with a sack and plenty of hurries.
Fitts started off slow in what looked like a young player thinking too much instead of going out there and letting his instincts take over. Once Fitts calmed down, he started to come on. It started with him taking advantage of matchups with tight ends. He powered through at one point and got to the quarterback for the sack.
He followed that up with plenty of pressures throughout the first half. He made fellow Ravens third-round pick Orlando Brown Jr earn his check last night — a guy the Ravens are supposedly very high on to start for them at right tackle someday.
For a team that is starved of pass rushers at that position, it was encouraging to see explosiveness from that position outside Floyd. Both Fitts and Irving showed they can win with power and speed off the edge. A very contrast difference from last year with guys like Pernell McPhee and Willie Young opposite of Floyd.
Related Story. Bears: 3 players who stood out in preseason opener. light
So what’s next for Irving and Fitts? Building off this performance in the next three preseason games will likely instill confidence in the coaching staff to give them increased snaps. It will also make a guy that is struggling to get on the field in Lynch expendable. One thing is for sure, if these two prove to be the real deal alongside Floyd, it just makes this unit that much tougher.