Chicago Bears

Shea McClellin led Bears with nine tackles in first game back

Published Nov. 17, 2015 10:50 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Chicago Bears got a huge lift in Week 10, when starting inside linebacker Shea McClellin returned from a knee injury that forced him to the sideline for three games.

McClellin led the team with nine tackles in his first game back, as the Bears beat the St. Louis Rams 37-13 last Sunday. He also forced a momentous fumble and recovered it himself.

After #Bears coaches reviewed tape, LB Shea McClellin credited w/ team-high 9 tackles in win over Rams; OLB Sam Acho second w/ 8.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 16, 2015

Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense is starting to take shape, thanks in large part to McClellin's resurgence in a new role. The 26-year-old defender couldn't catch on as either a defensive end or an outside linebacker in Chicago's old, 4-3 scheme. Fangio has found a way to salvage the former first-round draft pick's talents by moving him to inside linebacker in his new-look unit.

With McClellin back in the mix, the Bears' defense is undoubtedly stronger. After shutting down St. Louis' offense last weekend, the team's next test will be a Denver Broncos team without Peyton Manning (foot) at quarterback.