Bears Blitz

Published by Ross Read on April 14, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Defensive end Lamarr Houston‘s first season in Chicago was a bumpy one. His early 2014 exit has left him as somewhat of a forgotten name right now, and he’s certainly the Bears‘ most overlooked 2015 starter.

Houston came to the Bears last year on a five-year, $35 million contract with $15 million guaranteed. His season ended after he tore his ACL celebrating a sack in a Week 8 loss against the New England Patriots. It was his only sack of the season. 

Bears fans might have a sour taste in their mouths after seeing what Houston brought to the table last year. Rest assured that 2015 has a much brighter outlook for him in this Bears defense. 

The 3-4 scheme is a better fit for Houston, as he’s a versatile pass-rusher who can line up at outside linebacker, defensive end or even be kicked inside as a defensive tackle. There isn’t a player on this Bears defense who can have as big an impact as Houston from multiple spots.

At either defensive end or outside linebacker, Houston can not only put pressure on the quarterback, but also be a major presence in shutting down the run. As the Bears put more pass-rushers on the field in 3rd-and-long situations, he’s an above-average rusher from the defensive tackle spot. 

Last year, the Bears’ vanilla defense just wasn’t a good fit for Houston’s abilities. He’s never been a big sack guy, but Houston can still put pressure on the quarterback from a variety of spots and does a nice job setting the edge. 

As this defense currently sits, there are a lot of moving parts. Other than free agent Pernell McPhee, the Bears don’t have any set players in their front seven. Ray McDonald, Mason Foster, Ego Ferguson and Jay Ratliff are all starters, but they can be rotated when needed. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Houston had 41 hurries and graded out at a plus-8.2 against the run last season. His ability to complement inside linebackers Jon Bostic and Mason Foster are going to be vital this season. 

As we go further into the numbers, Houston graded out well above average in 2012 (plus-12.4) and 2013 (plus-7.4) with his run defense leading the way. He figures to be the team’s best run-stuffing front seven player. 

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio turned defensive end Justin Smith into a Pro Bowler in San Francisco, and he can have similar results with Houston. There’s a chance Houston can be an elite defender in this defense. 

Houston’s already a good player against the run, but he can get better as a pass-rusher. He struggles to finish sacks and only has a single-season career high of six sacks, which came back in 2013. Houston’s best graded year as a pass-rusher came in 2012 with a plus-3.2 rating. Compare that to Smith’s best season back in 2011 when he graded out at plus-44.5.

Asking for Smith’s 2011 season out of Houston is likely unrealistic, but there’s no reason why he can’t improve to 10 under Fangio. An improved pass-rushing game to go with his consistent run defense would make Houston one of the best defensive linemen in the league. 

There’s one big factor in Houston’s potential bounce-back season: Pride. 

Houston came to Chicago on a big contract only to lay an egg and upset a lot of people. He’s still a good football player, but Houston needs to show a passionate fanbase that he’s no hot dog who just took the money. 

Look for Houston to come out and be productive in 2015. He’s a key part of a defense that few people are talking about. If he can have a big 2015, then all will be forgiven for a sack dance that led to a torn ACL.

At just 27 years old, Houston is still a vital young piece of the Chicago defense, and the Bears would be wise to work toward putting him in the best situation to succeed. 

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