Oh the safety position, the things you do to Bears fans. The Chicago Bears training camp battle countdown now shifts to arguably the most referenced position over the past decade for this franchise. Why? Mostly because the players they’ve employed during that period have underachieved or suffered through injury problems.
Not since Mike Brown has the team had a genuine Pro Bowler at the position. He left in 2008. That provides a pretty clear idea of how long the drought persists. So it’s easy to understand why eyes will be on the latest crop. By all accounts veteran free agent Quintin Demps will get one spot. His experience and ballhawk ability are why he was signed.
The question is who will flank him at the other safety spot? Many would like to say rookie Eddie Jackson. There’s no doubt he has a future with the team, but his skill set is best used as a free safety. That is the same role Demps will play. In essence Jackson will likely be the long-term successor to him. It’s the strong safety role that is in limbo.
Adrian Amos holds that honor going into camp. However, another youngster in Deon Bush could be poised to push him to the sideline.
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Chicago Bears training camp battle participant: Adrian Amos
The emotions surrounding Amos over the past two years were a roller coaster. He was a lowly fifth round pick in 2015. Then he rose to become a starter and looked like a possible hidden gem. Last year he remained a fixture in the lineup but people soon began to sour on him. Not because he was getting hurt, mind you.
It was because the guy isn’t a playmaker. In 31 career games, Amos has zero interceptions. If people are looking for a poster child to the Bears defenses’ woes at forcing turnovers, Amos is it. In fact he’s only had two “impact” plays thus far in his career. A sack in 2015 against Denver and a forced fumble this past season.
Amos certainly brings that physical edge good safeties need, but there’s only so much tackling and hitting to do before a big play must be made. Most players don’t get this many chances to prove they can.
Chicago Bears training camp battle participant: Deon Bush
Of course a lot of people won’t be any more excited about Deon Bush. The former fourth round pick played 11 games in 2016, starting six of them. In that time he had 21 tackles and a pass defense. So he wasn’t much of a help either. To be fair he was a rookie. Also coming out of Miami it was stated quite clearly by scouts that he had huge potential, but also needed a lot of work.
So the question becomes which of these young men take the bigger step forward in 2017. Will the light finally go on for Amos in his third year or with the second year surge happen for Bush? The Bears no doubt would be content with either one. Going another year without decent security on the back end of the defense is not something they wish to relive.
Amos has the experience of the scheme in his favor. Bush may have the greater upside. Don’t be surprised if it comes down to whomever is able to force a turnover in the preseason that decides it.
