Emma: Ryan Pace Oozes Confidence Entering Pivotal Offseason
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Nearly a year removed from his first interview to become general manager, Ryan Pace exuded the same confidence that won him the Bears' job.
When Pace sat down with the Bears' brass of George McCaskey, Ted Phillips and Ernie Accorsi, he blew them away. He was young, enthusiastic and had a plan to bring the Bears forward. Just 37 at the time, Pace was seen as a budding star by the team chairman.
"His plan just stood out," McCaskey said on the day Pace was unveiled as Bears general manager. "The thoroughness of his presentation, a very charismatic individual himself. As he said, he's leading the charge."
The Bears put their trust in the longtime Saints talent evaluator, believing he could be the man to restock the organization with talent, revitalize the scouting department and bring the franchise back to respectability lost in the tenure of Marc Trestman and Phil Emery. It was to be a long road back.
So, when Pace stood before the media this Monday and recapped his first season, he oozed confidence, even while stating the obvious.
"We need more playmakers, man," Pace said – over and over.
Of course, Pace's first task last offseason in the new gig was to watch every single play of the 2014 season, a fate no one would ever wish on their worst enemy. But it was part of the job.
What the Bears showed this 2015 season was largely expected in terms of results. The team played with a resolve and performed too often at a poor level. The Bears were well coached, worked with a fighting spirit but were largely not good. They beat two playoff teams, the Chiefs and Packers, and lost to the dismal 49ers and twice to the Lions. The odd twists and turns of this roller coaster ride resulted in a 6-10 record.
Pace, director of player personnel Josh Lucas and the Bears' front office aren't miracle workers. They're talented evaluators. They didn't expect to build the Bears into a championship contender overnight – their job is to bring the team sustained success.
Despite a maddening season that went from 0-3 to momentary playoff conversation, the Bears are in a much better place than they were a year ago. In fact, the team should be in position for the postseason next season – Year 2 for Pace and John Fox in Chicago.
"I'm telling you guys, the atmosphere and the culture in the building just feels really good right now," Pace said.
Coming into Halas Hall, the first order of business for Pace – after suffering through tape of the 2014 season – was ridding the rotten culture in place. He earned early stripes by moving receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets, dealing a disruptive influence for a fifth-round pick. That selection was used on safety Adrian Amos, who appears to be a staple for the secondary.
Pace used his fourth-round pick to select Jeremy Langford out of Michigan State. In his rookie season, Langford made the largely productive Matt Forte become expendable. Credit is also due to Eddie Goldman, the second-round pick who's now the nose tackle and anchor of the Bears' defensive identity.
Working the free-agent market, Pace brought in edge rusher Pernell McPhee, defensive end Jarvis Jenkins and cornerback Tracy Porter to help bring competence for Vic Fangio's unit. The Bears went from third-to-last in team defense in 2014 to 14th this season, a huge step forward for a unit that had been downright embarrassing.
The Bears' 2015 season is loaded with little victories all around – perhaps of greatest significance, the emergence of Jay Cutler as a quarterback the team can build around.
"Jay knows we have extreme confidence in him," Pace said.
Now, there's plenty of work is left to be done. Pace enters a crucial offseason, armed with nine draft picks – including the No. 11 pick in the first round – and a plethora of cap room. He can begin to build the Bears into a true contender. And Pace should be trusted, too, because his scouting background suggests the Bears will be better. Even in one season, the team took steps forward.
The one-year anniversary of Pace's introduction to the Chicago media is approaching. He came across then as a longtime scout so prepared for his big chance, fresh off blowing away the Bears in the interview of a lifetime. Pace was eager to bring the Bears success.
Back then, Pace was confident in what he could do in Chicago. A year later, he's still just as eager to keep building.
"When I think bigger picture, I'm excited about what we got going," Pace said. "I'm excited about our staff, I'm excited about our younger players, I'm excited about our culture -- the foundation we have set."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
