Ex-Champion Describes How Chuck Pagano Will Change Bears Defense

When he was hired as defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano promised that he would do everything in his power to make sure the Chicago Bears defense doesn't go through any drastic changes. He wasn't lying. Only a fool would try to make sweeping alterations to the #1 defense in football. Pagano knows what he has and understands what made them great in 2018.

That said, nothing can ever stay the same. Pagano is not Vic Fangio. That is neither a good nor a bad thing. It is simply the truth. They're two different men. They may have similar philosophies when it comes to coaching players, but their styles are almost certainly different. Fangio had certain ways he wanted things done. It's almost impossible to think Pagano thinks the same way.

That is why there is a virtual guarantee the Bears defense will be different in 2019. Pagano will use his players in ways that fit their talents, but also in ways he feels can best stop the opposing offense. Some of those ways may not be something Fangio would've done. Willie McGinest, former three-time Super Bowl champion in New England, broke down how things will change under Pagano's watch in Chicago.

All signs point to Chuck Pagano taking the leash off the dogs

Fangio's style of coaching can be compared in many ways to Lovie Smith. He is a conservative type who likes his players to play with discipline and patience, looking for opportunities to force turnovers. Some call it the bend-don't-break style. It doesn't always work, but when the pieces are in place it can be an utter thing of beauty to watch.

Pagano could be considered a bit more in the Buddy Ryan mold. He believes the key to shutting down offenses is by getting their quarterback out of his game as quickly as possible. That means swarming him with as much pressure as possible. If it only requires four defenders, that's fine. However, if the need to blitz is there, he will do it and do it as often as it takes.

This may sound like sweet, sweet music to some Bears fans. A lot of people chaffed at times with Fangio's style, believing he was overly cautious at times when blitzing more could've done some good. However, at the same time, this more aggressive style opens up the risk of allowing more big plays. There is always a trade-off in these things. It's Pagano's job to maximize the good and minimize the bad.