Additions notwithstanding, the 2016 Bears defense has some holes. So defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s coaching toolbox had better include a can of spackling paste.
A fine successor to the George Allen, Buddy Ryan, Lovie Smith lineage, Fangio has a significant challenge ahead. Like all successful coordinators, he will need to make the impact of 11 men greater than their individual contributions.
Here is how he can do it.
1. Protect the cornerbacks.
This means giving them help against better receivers, especially on the outside. It means often playing conservative coverages and keeping safeties deep.