Ted Monachino, the new Chicago Bears outside linebackers coach, kicked off his career with the team with a bold statement. He stated without any subtlety that he feels Leonard Floyd has a chance to be "special" as a pass rusher. In terms of pure athletic gives, he even exceeds Khalil Mack. The trick has been getting his technique to a point where he has a full toolbox to attack pass blockers with.
Monachino believes just a little more work will get him to that point. Floyd already knows how to attack blockers on the initial rush. The tricky part has been learning how to finish better. Often the most difficult piece of the puzzle to master. All signs indicate that the fourth-year defender is working tirelessly on his fundamentals to get it right.
It seems the Bears coach isn't the only one feeling confident though. As Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune points out, Floyd himself is starting to believe he's on the cusp of playing his best football.
“Being violent and just going out with a mindset of getting to the quarterback. I have to sharpen my tools. It’s been very different because I have been able to train and do all of the things with no limitations this spring.
I believe I was playing my best football during the second half of last year after I really got over my hand injury. I felt like I was playing a lot better and I am looking forward to this year and just building off of that.”
Leonard Floyd has a lot at stake going into 2019
The Bears have maintained a steadfast belief that Floyd continues to improve. His problem isn't ability. It's been health. Each year has involved a seriously debilitating injury. In 2016 it was a bout with concussions. The next year it was a torn up right knee. Then last year he broke his hand in the preseason and spent the first eight weeks in a cast.
It isn't hard to imagine he thinks the key to breaking through in the NFL is managing to play a full season without any serious health setbacks. The timely would certainly be perfect for 2019. Things have reached the point of no return regarding his next contract. At 27-years old, he'll never have a better opportunity to land big money.
Though the Bears have already picked up his 5th-year option, it doesn't mean they're committed to giving him any sort of lucrative new deal. That is why he has to deliver this season. His financial future rests upon it. That, along with the pursuit of a Super Bowl, should serve as ample motivation.
