There’s something to keep in mind about Chuck Pagano. This man coached arguably the greatest inside linebacker of all-time. He was with the Baltimore Ravens from 2008 through 2011. There he got a front row seat to watch Ray Lewis put the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame career. So Pagano has seen what the best is supposed to look like at that position.
One can imagine he’s not going to shower praise on that position lightly. This is why his surprising statement regarding Chicago Bears second-year man Roquan Smith so exciting. While he obviously praised the likes of Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson, Pagano seemed especially impressed with the former 8th overall pick.
It’s common for coaches to say they’re excited about working with a young player of his natural talent. Pagano started out with a similarly typical statement. Then he delivered a line that was rather telling about his real feelings.
“Again, you talk about football character. You talk about football IQ. We know the measurables. He’s one of the brightest, smartest guys I’ve been around for just a second-year player. He’s phenomenal.”
Chuck Pagano clearly has high hopes for Smith in this defense
In 2011, Pagano’s lone year as Ravens defensive coordinator, Lewis delivered 95 tackles, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and an interception. That’s a pretty good year by normal standards. However, keep in mind that Lewis was 36-years old and missed four games with injury. For the coach to get that kind of production out of him under those conditions is impressive.
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That wasn’t an isolated case either. When the coach took over the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, his track record with inside linebackers continued. Jerrell Freeman had over 140 tackles in each of his first two seasons with the team when he arrived that same year. Pat Angerer had 146 in 2013. Then in 2014, new addition D’Qwell Jackson made the Pro Bowl.
None of those guys have the talent Smith does. Don’t forget this young man had 121 tackles as a rookie, just a handful away from breaking Brian Urlacher‘s record. He did that without the benefit of training camp or a preseason. Now he’ll have both along with a full season of experience under his belt in 2019. Throw in Pagano’s expertise?
This could be a major breakout season for him.
