Matt Eberflus understands the defense he runs. He should. He’s worked in it for a decade. When thinking about the 4-3 alignment, the concept is simple. Everything goes through the defensive line. They’re required to apply pressure on the quarterback almost by themselves. The defensive line goes through the three-technique position. That is the designated interior pass rusher spot. Look at the best versions of this defense over the years. They all have the same thing in common. John Randle in Minnesota. Warren Sapp in Tampa Bay. Tommie Harris in Chicago. DeForest Buckner in Indianapolis.
It is a position of vital importance. When it has somebody good, everything else becomes easier. That is why the Bears handed out their biggest free agent contract last March to Larry Ogunjobi. Unfortunately, he failed his physical. Left with few alternatives, they quickly pivoted to veteran Justin Jones from the Chargers. Despite not playing that position much in L.A., Eberflus feels his skill set makes for a great fit.
“We saw visual evidence on tape that he could do the spot. He’s done a good job with it. It’s a takeoff position. It lends to his athletic ability, and he’s just going to get better and better and better.”
Matt Eberflus is no stranger to elevating linemen like Jones.
He helped turn Evander Hood into a 1st round pick at the University of Missouri with steady improvement each year. Then when he took over the Colts in 2018, he pulled off another feat when he shifted Denico Autry from defensive end to defensive tackle. The previous year, Autry had five sacks in 16 games. That first season under Eberflus, he had nine sacks in 12 games. It was a true breakout season for the veteran.
The Bears head coach likely envisions a similar path for Jones. His quickness, leverage, and motor show up a lot on tape. If put in a defense that is designed to take advantage of that, then it makes sense his production should improve. Will he be another Sapp or Harris? Unlikely. Matt Eberflus isn’t expecting that. However, he does think Jones can fill the void enough to help this defense function as it should. Think more along the lines of a Henry Melton or a Brian Young. Not great, but good enough.
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