Pass rushing by individuals was effective in spots, although multiple sacks came from linebackers (Lamarr Houston, Pernell McPhee, Willie Young) in de facto roles as ends as the Bears were schemed by multiple opponents into heavy use of nickel personnel.
McPhee’s knee problems through a wet blanket over one of the franchise’s key offseason moves, with McPhee flashing with six sacks and 10 tackles for loss even with a balky knee that should improve after offseason surgery and him dropping a few pounds to play at a lighter weight. But McPhee was an emotional leader even in his diminished physical state, and he was voted a team captain as an indicator of his leadership.