The Bears drafted Roquan Smith three years ago to help Packer-proof the defense. The inside linebacker’s uncanny ability to plaster himself onto receivers and run sideline to sideline was a perfect counterpoint to Aaron Rodgers’ point guard-like passes to, save for Davante Adams, mostly anonymous receivers and tight ends.
Smith has since grown into the quarterback of the Bears defense, a player that knows what his teammates are supposed to do on every given play. This year, he’s found his voice in practice, barking instructions to make sure his linemen are in the right spots. On game days, he makes audibles and corrections that most linebackers don’t make.