Discovering the Impact of DE DeMarcus Walker on the Bears' Defense
Chicago Bears Upgrade Defense with DE DeMarcus Walker: What to Expect
The Chicago Bears have bolstered their defensive line with the addition of DeMarcus Walker. While he may not be the high-profile signing fans were hoping for, he brings versatility and impact to the team. Walker's career-best year with the Tennessee Titans saw him notch 7.0 sacks, 32 pressures, and 16 QB hits. He can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt, making him a valuable chess piece for Matt Eberflus' defense.
Walker's pass-rush ability is impressive, but he's also a force against the run. He's expected to serve as a key rotational player, but may struggle in a regular role if he's exposed to too much playing time. Additionally, Walker benefited from playing alongside talented linemen Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons with the Titans.
Despite the Titans' injury-riddled season, Walker played in all 17 games and picked up the slack when needed. Tennessee was interested in bringing him back, but now he'll bring his talents to the Windy City. The Bears defense just got better with DeMarcus Walker in the mix.
Personally, I wouldn't have invested $7 million per year in Walker, given that he has only been a backup throughout his career and has never demonstrated the level of performance he showed in 2022. In my opinion, that salary is more typical of a starter. However, considering that Walker recorded 16 quarterback hits, almost matching the Bears' total of 20 as a team, the signing seems more reasonable in that context. While Walker is undoubtedly an improvement, I still have reservations about his ability to handle a larger role than the one he had in Tennessee.
| POLL | ||
14 MARS | 52 ANSWERS Discovering the Impact of DE DeMarcus Walker on the Bears' Defense Are you happy with the Demarcus Walker signing from Ryan Poles? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 71.2 % |
| No | 15 | 28.8 % |
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