The Chicago Bears defense was plagued by ineffective safety play for years after the departure of Mike Brown, one of the defense's leaders during the Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs glory days. The search for the next dependable starter spanned names like Major Wright, Chris Conte, Danieal Manning and many others.
It wasn't until Ryan Pace drafted Adrian Amos in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft that physicality was restored in the third level of the defense.
Amos is coming off the best year of his career in 2017 and is approaching on league-wide recognition as one of the best players at his position. In fact, Pro Football Focus named Amos as one of the league's young players on the cusp of elite status.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Chicago Bears took a trial-by-fire approach with fifth-round safety Adrian Amos early in his career, as the former Penn State product played north of 930 defensive snaps in each of his first two seasons in the NFL. The Bears’ early investment in Amos has seemingly paid off.
Cast into a starting role when veteran safety Quentin Demps broke his arm in Week 3, Amos earned a career-high 92.0 overall grade in 2017, ranking No. 1 among the league’s qualifying safeties. He ranked second in yards allowed per reception (7.1) and 15th in passer rating when targeted (81.8). He also flashed strong tackling ability on receptions, as he allowed just 3.50 yards after the catch per reception allowed, ranking fifth among safeties with at least 25 targets this past season.
Amos recorded his first career interception in 2017, which he took back 90 yards for a touchdown. He registered 60 tackles and forced two fumbles, both career highs.
Amos’ 2017 production should keep him from relying on injury to start in Chicago and as long as he can pick up where he left off ago, he’ll solidify his elite status.
The Bears suddenly have one of the best young safety duos in the NFL. Amos and Eddie Jackson, another of Ryan Pace's Day 3 draft gems, were key variables in the defense finishing in the NFL's top 10 last season. The blend of Jackson's instincts and Amos' physical style gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a variety of ways to attack opponents on Sundays. Amos, for example, lined up at linebacker 105 times last season, per Pro Football Focus.
NFL
Fangio noted that Chicago's defense finally has continuity for the first time in his tenure as coordinator, something that is especially true at safety where Amos continues his march toward league stardom.