Do you remember how good the 2005-2006 Chicago Bears defense was? The defense that came out of no where, led by Brian Urlacher, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris, and Nathan Vasher. The defense that led the Bears to two NFC North Division titles, and one Super Bowl appearance.
Well, the 2010 Chicago Bears defense knows they aren’t that good. But how good can they be?
This years defense features some of those key players from when the defense was dominant. Including Urlacher, Tillman, Harris, Chris Harris and Lance Briggs. The Bears also brought in key players through free agency in Julius Peppers, and trading for Chris Harris.
The Bears defense through two weeks has played well. Not dominant, but well enough to play a role in the Bears 2-0 start.
The question is, can the Bears defense be dominant again?
After struggling all of last season, the Bears got their captain back in Brian Urlacher. Urlacher has looked like hes regained most of what he lost, making plays in both of the Bears wins. Urlacher was obviously a huge loss for the Bears last season, it’s showing how good they can really be at full strength.
The Bears defense currently ranks 12th in overall defense this season. Giving up 289 yards per game. While the Bears are giving up 261 yards through the air, impressively they are first overall in rushing yards allowed with 28 per game. The pass defense needs to be improved, after Tony Romo carved the defense up. The one weakness is the passing defense, but in time Bowman and Tillman should adjust.
If this team wants to be dominant, they are going to need more pressure up front. The Bears are 28th in total sacks, with just two. Getting to the quarterback is key, especially for this Bears secondary. Forcing the quarterback into quick decisions and making mistakes leads to turnovers. Turnovers lead to offense, which can lead to points. You get the idea.
By acquiring Julius Peppers, the Bears showed they were addressing a problem on their defense. They just need Peppers to produce. Getting Tommie Harris involved as well is key. He hasn’t been the same since his 2006 monster season.
The linebackers are the strength of the team, and what the defense will rely on. With a core of Urlacher, Briggs, and Tinoisamoa, the linebackers physical play and mentality to get into the backfield will surge the Bears defense this season.
The expierence is there for the Bears. With veterans on the team who have played in a Super Bowl, they know what it takes to get there. It cant be all on the offense to carry this team.
Turnovers are what fuels this defense. Whether its the interceptions, or the stripping of the football. Chicago knows how to get turnovers. If a team is successful in doing this, they will strive all year.
The Bears face a a schedule that should work into the defenses favor in the next few weeks. Aside from the Green Bay, and New York Giants games, the team faces some struggling offenses. They take on Seattle, Detroit, Carolina, Buffalo, Miami and Washington.
It gets tough after that though. The offenses they will go up against include Minnesota, Green Bay, New York Jets and New England. The Bears defense, especially against these opponents, will need to be on point down the stretch.
If the Bears want to get to the playoffs they will need a good defense to compliment the so far surging offense. It’s up to them to play to their expectations.
Bears Host Packers in Monday Night Showdown
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2 Comments
Uuuuuummmmm…Zack Bowman was drafted by the Bears two years ago, not involved in free agency/trade. Also, it’s too early to throw out defensive stats seeing as some teams (such as Tampa Bay) have had a cupcake schedule while some teams (such as Baltimore) have played some of the better teams in the league. Like in science, you have to a have a large enough sample size in order to get the most accurate results.
Not good enough to stop the Packers on Monday night!