Leonard Floyd may not have been the sack leader for the Chicago Bears this season, that distinction goes to Akiem Hicks, but Floyd was the one legitimate speed rusher the Bears had coming off the edge. Chicago should still be able to get a push up the middle, but who will come tearing around the edge, forcing quarterbacks to step up into the interior pass rushers?
With Floyd out, the only remaining outside linebackers on the roster are Pernell McPhee, Sam Acho, and rookie undrafted free agent Isaiah Irving. Willie Young is on injured reserve with a surgically repaired torn triceps muscle, so he’s not coming back this year. With McPhee seemingly on a snap count, Acho not known for his pass rushing prowess, and Irving so inexperienced, the Bears may need to get creative or make a roster move.
I discuss the options the Bears have at outside linebacker in my latest T Formation Conversation podcast (Subscribe now on iTunes for free).
EDIT: The Bears put Floyd on IR and promoted Howard Jones from their practice squad. I discussed Jones and what he can bring the Bears in my show.