Bears' Pernell McPhee: 'We Need To Grow Us Some Dogs'
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Linebacker Pernell McPhee is widely viewed as the heart and soul of the Bears' defense. He's able to lead by example and voice.
Ever since McPhee got to Chicago, he's preached the idea of violence for the defense -- a term that represents the style of play he wants to see. While the Bears' defense has made progress, McPhee wants more.
"We need to grow us some dogs and play like some dogs, with the attitude and the swag," McPhee said Thursday. "That's it, nothing else."
The Bears defense ranks 12th in yardage and has surrendered 24.2 points per game, both of which are great improvements from 2014, a season that saw Chicago boast one of the worst defenses in the NFL and franchise history. It was an ugly time for the unit.
Players like McPhee, Eddie Goldman, Jarvis Jenkins, Sam Acho and Tracy Porter came in as newcomers to help move things in a positive direction. Yet, the defense has still managed to have costly breakdowns that have led to losses.
"We're a 5-8 football team, and that's all that really matters," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.
Fangio offered critiques for many of the Bears' defensive players, including middle linebacker Shea McClellin, but remained confident in his group.
One of the Bears' greatest issues remains a lack of physicality to change the game. They haven't been able to consistently force turnovers and win the game with a dominating unit.
"Hopefully, we can go into these next three games with that mindset we're going to be the attackers, not the ones being attacked," McPhee said. "Hopefully, we get that mindset and go do it.
"This is a violent game. If you're not going to be violent, there's no reason for you to be here."
McPhee has spent much of the season battling through a knee injury and missed his second game of the year this past Sunday in the loss to Washington. He watched from the sidelines as the defense let up a long drive to Kirk Cousins and the opposing offense, digging the Bears a hole they couldn't get out of.
This offseason, Bears general manager Ryan Pace will work to identify ways he can upgrade his team, specifically the defense. But the unit's leaders like McPhee are fighting to instill the "violent" identity.
"We just got to stop being so much of the nice guys," McPhee said. "Be pitbulls."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
