FanPost

Pre-Training Camp Positional Review: Defensive End

After having a league low 31 sacks last year the defensive end position was overhauled completely during the offseason. Julius Peppers was let because of his decline in play and to free up cap space. Shea McClellin was moved to linebacker due to his struggles at end. The bears brought in Willie Young, Lamarr Houston, and Jared Allen to revitalize the end position. Last season the three combined for 20.5 sacks. Each brings something different to the team. Lamarr Houston is strong against the run and has the speed to beat tackles around the edge. At 300 pounds he can also play on the inside if the bears want to get creative with him. Being strong at the point of attack is something the bears lacked last year. Another thing the bears lacked at certain times last year on defense was effort. They brought in Jarred Allen who is 110% effort 100% of the time. Even though he is 34 years there is still value in him. He had 11.5 sacks last year which was 4.5 more than Peppers had. Allen can hold his own against the run, but is sometimes easily moved out of the play when double teamed. This can also be credited to him playing just about even down in a game. This is where Willie Young comes into play. It is hard for a 34 year old to play every down and be successful. Willie Young gives Allen the opportunity to take a breather. Young may not have as high of a motor as Allen but he brings some attitude to the defensive end position. Young has been known to get into his opponent's heads. Sometimes he does it the wrong way but never the less he has some fight in him. There will not be a drop in ability when Young comes in for Allen either. He is a strong run defender but sometimes gets lost in space when he picked up by the fullback or tight end instead of the tackle. Coming into training camp the two spots are Allen and Houston's with Young being the backup for both. Look for Allen to be more of a second and third down player later in games though. With the slight breathers Allen will be more effective in late games. This training camp will be the time where the bears figure out when to put in Young and when to take out Allen.

This Fanpost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.