Chicago Bears' Dilemma: Yannick Ngakoue vs. Justin Houston - Who's the Better Signing?
Excitement fills the air as the 2023 NFL Season kicks off, and Bears fans couldn't be happier. Week 1 of training camp has been promising, with Justin Fields building chemistry with new weapons, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds showcasing his athleticism with impressive plays.
However, there's a lingering concern among Bears followers�the EDGE position remains a gap in the roster after it wasn't addressed in the 2023 NFL Draft. Fans have been speculating about potential free-agent signings to fill this crucial spot, and recently, two names have emerged as the front-runners: Yannick Ngakoue and Justin Houston.
Let's take a closer look at Yannick Ngakoue, the 28-year-old defensive end known for his pass-rushing prowess. He has an impressive track record with 63 combined pressures and 19.5 sacks over his last two seasons, but his multiple team changes have raised some red flags.
On the other hand, 34-year-old Justin Houston has predominantly played as a 3-4 outside linebacker, except for a stint as a defensive end under Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus in 2019 and 2020. His familiarity with Eberflus' scheme makes him an attractive option.
When analyzing the recent production of both players, it becomes evident that Yannick Ngakoue is the better fit for the Chicago Bears. His consistent sack numbers and youth make him a perfect addition as a pure pass-rushing specialist. Ngakoue's experience and expertise would benefit the Bears' defensive line and support the development of young talents like Dominique Robinson and standout Terrell Lewis.
While Justin Houston has had an outstanding career, his age�34 years old�cannot be ignored, even on a one-year deal. He is nearly as old as the oldest defensive end in the league. On the other hand, Ngakoue presents a promising option for the Bears, and there's no need to worry about long-term plans. With Ryan Poles' reputation for one-year rentals, Ngakoue fits the bill perfectly.
Ngakoue himself has expressed his eagerness to provide what the Chicago Bears need�an imposing presence on the field that could make life tough for opposing quarterbacks. With Ngakoue on board, the Bears could become a dark horse in a relatively weak NFC and make a serious push for the playoffs.
Chicago is ready to "Bear Down," and Yannick Ngakoue seems like the ideal player to bolster the team's defense and elevate their chances of success in the upcoming season.
| POLL | ||
31 JUILLET | 73 ANSWERS Chicago Bears' Dilemma: Yannick Ngakoue vs. Justin Houston - Who's the Better Signing? Who's the Better Signing? | ||
| Justin Houston | 20 | 27.4 % |
| Yannick Ngakoue | 53 | 72.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
