Julius Peppers went to the Packers and Jared Allen came to Chicago. When most observers look at this NFC North shake up, it seems very cut and dry. Both players are similar, if not in style, than by skill and age.
Peppers was criticized last year for his poor production while Allen continues to impress, even in his tenth season. But life isn’t that simple. This isn’t a copy and paste situation. The Bears lost an excellent player, and gained a new one. Many have commented on the acquisition of Jared Allen, but what is Chicago losing with Julius Peppers.
We like to imagine that our favorite players are the champions of our cause, but the NFL is a business, and the business is winning football games. Julius Peppers has been playing for the Chicago Bears for four seasons, and he has had plenty of time to watch Jay Cutler. He’s going to talk to the Packers defensive coordinator about the Bears’ scheme. Israel Idonije did it for the Lions last season, and that’s just the way it goes
So let’s talk about straight up playing ability. It’s true that Peppers had some difficulty last year, but the injuries, oh man the injuries. With Lance Briggs and many more out of the picture, that defense was Julius Peppers, and opposing offenses knew it (Lance Briggs Sports Injury Alert profile). So Peppers was double-teamed every single play. But things are going to change in Green Bay.
With only one freak of nature lining up to rush your quarter back, it makes sense to double-team him. But the Packers have a certain gentleman named Clay Matthews, the most talented pass rushing linebacker in the league. Matthews and Peppers lining up on the same side? Well it takes at least three players to dedicate themselves to that issue, which leaves B.J. Raji alone in the middle. Think you finally have that problem figured out? Now they’re lining up on opposite ends. Green Bay will have an incredibly potent pass rush this season.
Also, Mike McCarthy has gone on record that Julius Peppers will be filling an elephant role this season. The elephant role is when a player will switch between defensive end and outside linebacker. It may not seem like much, but it continues to add versatility to an already dangerous pass rush game
Like I said, I’m excited for Jared Allen to be a part of the Bears defense. I certainly think he’ll be a better fit in the simple 4-3 system, but Julius Peppers was an important part of the team’s defensive scheme for four years. He may be older, but he had never missed a game as a Bear, and I still argue his sub-par performance last year was due to the rest of the team’s health, and not his age (Julius Peppers Sports Injury Alert profile).
I will miss watching Peppers play for Chicago every Sunday, and I am bummed that I have to watch him dress in green and gold. He’s still a part of the lives of Bears fans, but it’s as the enemy. So I’d like to wish Mr. Peppers good health in the next season, just hopefully, not very good statistics
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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