While the offense was center stage for the stinkfest in Los Angeles against the Rams, the banged-up Chicago Bears defense did all they could to keep it close. No Akiem Hicks. No Danny Trevathan. Yet they still managed to allow just 10 points throughout the first three quarters. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough that they allowed an extra touchdown late. That's a shame because it overshadowed what a great game linebacker Roquan Smith had throughout that night.
He was quite literally everywhere, finishing with 11 tackles and an interception. His stonewalling of Todd Gurley during one sequence to force a punt was one of the best plays of his career and the latest sign that he was beginning to truly figure out how to play the position at a high level. A welcome sign given how all the other 1st round picks GM Ryan Pace has made look lately. One person who was deeply impressed with the game he had was Khalil Mack.
The star pass rusher revealed that it wasn't just Smith's athleticism and physical talent that were on display in Los Angeles. What stood out was how incredibly on point he was with his mind. There wasn't a play the Rams ran all night that the linebacker didn't see coming.
"Roq, man. What can I say about Roq that ain't already been said? He's a special player. He knew everything they were going to do. He was calling out their plays the whole game. You see it shows on film he's in the right spots at all the right times."
Roquan Smith showed he can be the future of this defense
For much of the first two seasons, Smith was the #2 guy at inside linebacker. Trevathan was the vocal leader and the guy who made all the play calls and checks at the line of scrimmage. That was understandable given his experience and intelligence. However, when the veteran injured his elbow the responsibility fell to Smith. People were worried whether or not the former 8th overall pick was ready to assume the mantle this early.
In hindsight, this was the same guy who almost broke Brian Urlacher's rookie record for tackles in a season. Urlacher wasted no time becoming the main man on defense. It seems Smith is made of similar stuff. This bodes well both for his and the Bears' future on defense. The kid is still just 22-years old. Health permitting, he could be the centerpiece of that defense for a long time. Somebody the franchise can continue to build around just like they did Urlacher for so many years.
