Bears' $3.5 Million Acquisition Emerges as 'Pleasant Surprise' During Training Camp
As training camp for the 2023 season heats up, the Chicago Bears' defensive line is garnering attention, not only for their Day 2 rookie stars but for a rather unanticipated hero as well. The addition of Andrew Billings, a veteran run-stuffer, is rapidly turning heads, transforming the Bears' defensive interior.
During a recent visit to the Bears' training camp, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler took notes not only on the progress of quarterback Justin Fields and the arrival of top wide receiver D.J. Moore but also on the understated presence of Andrew Billings in the defensive tackle room.
Fowler noted in his August 7 camp summary, «The Bears like their defensive line depth more than they did a year ago. Andrew Billings has been a pleasant surprise. Justin Jones calls the group «night and day to what it was [in 2022].»
Billings joined the Bears with a one-year, $3.5 million deal, fresh off a solid season with the Las Vegas Raiders. While his acquisition was overshadowed by the likes of Tremaine Edmunds, Nate Davis, and Moore, Billings has swiftly started to make a name for himself.
A six-year veteran with 51 starting games to his name, Billings may not be seen as a game-changer like Javon Hargrave or Dre'Mont Jones, but his ability to stuff runs is undeniable. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 13th highest-graded interior defensive lineman against the run in 2022. He finished the previous season with a career-best 39 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and 10 pressures.
His consistency in the rotational/depth role could be vital for the Bears, who struggled against the run last year, finishing second-worst in the league. With the Bears looking to boost their front line, Billings' surprise performance might just be what the team needs.
Beyond Billings, attention also turns to rookies like Gervon Dexter Sr. Will he earn a starting job on Day 1? His athleticism and rare combination of speed, size, and strength have made him a standout, earning praise from teammates. Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones believes, «He's going to be a force in this league. I really do believe that. I haven't seen anything like him in a very long time.»
However, Dexter still has areas to improve. Questions have been raised about his speed getting off the snap, and coach Matt Eberflus has emphasized the need for consistency and improved pad level. «It's improving every day,» Eberflus said of Dexter's get-off. «But if he wants to be elite, he's gonna have to be more consistent. He's also gonna have to play with better pad level. He's strong enough to win sometimes be he's high, but he needs to be lower.»
As the Bears approach their season opener against the Green Bay Packers on September 10, these changes in the defensive line, spearheaded by the "pleasant surprise" of Andrew Billings, might just be the much-needed transformation they need. The promising rookies and new additions signal an exciting time for the Bears, who seem determined to rectify their past shortcomings and forge a new path forward.
| POLL | ||
9 AOUT | 69 ANSWERS Bears' $3.5 Million Acquisition Emerges as 'Pleasant Surprise' During Training Camp WILL ANDREW BILLINGS START WEEK 1? | ||
| Yes | 57 | 82.6 % |
| No | 12 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
