March 12--Pernell McPhee became a building block in the Chicago Bears' 3-4 defense Wednesday when the club finalized his five-year free-agent contract. And as he introduced himself to Chicago media at team headquarters in the afternoon, he singled out one trait above his others.
"I'm violent, and that's all you need, to be violent," he said with a deep chuckle.
General manager Ryan Pace said he targeted McPhee at the outset of free agency for a long list of reasons.
"He's disruptive," Pace said. "He hits the quarterback a ton. I think he's an ascending player. I like the violence that he plays with. He's got length, gets off blocks, I think he's a well-rounded player, too. I think he's a productive pass rusher but also a steady, consistent run defender."
Coach John Fox appreciates McPhee's length, saying the 6-foot-3, 280-pounder uses his hands well.
"He collapses the pocket," Fox said. "He's not what I would define as a speed rusher, but an outstanding rusher. Comparisons, I don't like doing those very often, kind of (Giants Hall of Famer) Michael Strahan, does it with really good technique, really good hands, good leverage. He plays with good lean and he pushes the pocket very, very well."
McPhee, who spent his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, is confident coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will deploy him in ways that maximize his versatility. He primarily will be an outside linebacker, but he can pay inside in sub packages, Pace said.
McPhee had 7 1/2 sacks for the Ravens last season but played only about half of their snaps. As his role expands with the Bears, he's eager to help fuel the defense's turnaround.
"I wanted to come and be a part of bringing that tradition back," he said. "You know, a hard-nosed playing defense, play with violence, play with an attitude, play with a swag. Just go out there and dominant the game."
