This player has been the surprising standout at training camp for the Bears!
The Chicago Bears have been making waves this off-season with some high-profile signings and standout performances at training camp. While names like D.J. Moore and D'Onta Foreman have been getting a lot of attention, one name that might be surprising to many is defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
The Bears signed Billings to a one-year deal worth just under $2.7 million to address their weakness in the defensive tackle position. Chicago had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last season, and Billings was brought in to help shore up that area. However, he has been much more than just a run defender at camp.
According to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, Billings has been one of the standouts at camp, impressing the coaching staff with his reshaped body and disruptive presence. He has been a load for offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, and Alex Leatherwood to handle.
While some may see Billings as just a big, strong run-stopper, he has shown in the past that he has more to offer. During his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, he displayed pass-rushing skills, accumulating 43 pressures, 11 hits, and 3.5 sacks on quarterbacks in 2018 and 2019. The Bears recognized this potential and believed that reshaping his body to fit their attacking style would unlock even more of his abilities.
Billings' impact on the Bears' run defense has already been noticed, with Justin Jones stating that it is "night and day" compared to last year. His ability to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks is making life difficult for Justin Fields in practice.
If Billings can carry this level of performance into the regular season, the Bears defense will be much more formidable than last year. It would also be a satisfying result for Billings himself, who has spent most of his career on struggling defenses. With his newfound form and determination, he could be a key factor in the Bears' success this season.
| POLL | ||
7 AOUT | 64 ANSWERS This player has been the surprising standout at training camp for the Bears! Will Andrew Billings start for the Bears this season? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 84.4 % |
| No | 10 | 15.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
