Defense:
There has been quite a few position changes on the defense this offseason as the Bear transition to a 3-4 defense. The Bears will be without starting nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff for the first three games due to a suspension for a DUI charge in 2013. This gives rookie Eddie Goldman some more playing time. Goldman, a second round pick, has been playing well this preseason while getting praises from coaches and teammates.
There are some familiar faces at the linebacker position, but both Jared Allen and Shea McClellin played on the defensive line last season for the Bears. Joining them in the starting lineup are: second year Christian Jones and prized free agent acquisition Pernell McPhee. Rookie undrafted free agent John Timu has been playing extremely well all preseason and definitely deserves to be on the 53 man roster.
The Bears wanted to go younger at cornerback and in the process released veteran Tim Jennings. Alan Ball will be the one to take Jennings spot, lining up opposite of second year Kyle Fuller. Fuller will be expected to learn from his rookie mistakes that he made last year and become a shutdown corner. Veteran Antrel Rolle was signed this offseason to solidify the safety position and he has done that. Rolle will be teaching Adrian Amos the ropes as the rookie has been impressive enough to get the starting job as well.
