Christian Jones savoring being part of Bears MLB tradition

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When Christian Jones stepped in to fill Shea McClellin’s role as middle linebacker and signal-caller for the Bears defense at Kansas City, it meant that sage and savvy veterans like Jeremiah Ratliff had to do what Jones told him to do.

More or less.

“Sometimes he’s scary,” Jones said, laughing. “He’s waiting for the call and kind of gives you "The Look." I’m like, ‘OK, hold on a second, I’ll get it for you.’”

In certain ways, this is Jones’ dream job. When he slipped through the 2014 draft without hearing his name called, the Florida State linebacker had choices. He picked Chicago in part because of the tradition of legends at middle linebacker – Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher.

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Now he finds himself in a 3-4 edition of that tradition, the middle linebacker directing a Bears defense based on what coaches relay to him through the radio receiver in his helmet.

Jones, who finished third on the Bears in tackles despite starting just five games last season, now stands second to only McClellin, whose job and role Jones assumed when McClellin injured his knee last Sunday against the Chiefs. Jones is still handling the task with McClellin not practicing this week.

The move was the latest in a transformation from an outside linebacker at Florida State and even last year (when he started games at all three linebacker spots) to a rangy linebacker who has found a home inside, dealing with centers and guards and seemingly more physical assignments vs. the pass rushing and coverage-dropping at the outside.

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“Those [outside-linebacker] days are done,” Jones said, laughing. He was also noticeably hoarse after a game and two practices doing a lot more talking than he was used to. “I’d rather play inside. I just was switching my whole career so it feels good to be in one spot. I kinda want to stay here, develop and see where it goes from here.”

So would the Bears.

Jones, who led the Bears with eight tackles, six of them solo, in Kansas City, was inserted as one of the two inside linebackers this offseason.

“When we looked at tape when we first got here, he was a guy I thought had nice size, nice length, good athleticism,” said coach John Fox. “Coming in learning our system, I’ve seen him progress. I think he’s done an outstanding job. We’ll be leaning on him a little bit more if Shea McClellin can’t go, as far as a signal caller with a headset and those kind of fun things. So I think with a week’s work, he’s done a good job this week in preparation in case that develops.”

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