Good column by Mike Mulligan in the Sun-Times this morning. Mully correctly points out that the Bears aren't going to live up to their lofty expectations unless their veteran defense returns to form, even if new quarterback Jay Cutler throws for another 4,500 yards.
The Bears ranked 21st in total defense last season and 28th the year before that. That's not nearly good enough, and last season, the defense failed to create the big plays and turnovers it was noted for during the 2006 NFC championship season.
To me, one of the biggest keys to the Bears defense is tackle Tommie Harris (left). When healthy, he's one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league, but I don't think he's been healthy for two years. Of course, coach Lovie Smith insists Harris is fine, but I don't believe a word that comes out of Lovie's mouth. Harris seems to participate in practices only on a part-time basis, which sounds an alarm bell for me. I wonder whether Harris' creaky knees are going to hold up for a whole season.
Then, there's Brian Urlacher, who is coming off his worst season as pro. The middle linebacker says he's healthier and stronger this year. The Bears better hope so, because Urlacher had no sacks and only two interceptions last year. Also not nearly good enough. The Bears need big plays from their defensive leader.
There's also the matter of the secondary. Even though Charles Tillman is out after back surgery, I'm not too worried about the cornerbacks. Nathan Vasher, Corey Graham, Zack Bowman, that group can get it done. The safeties, though, are a big question mark. I don't even know who the hell is a strong safety or a free safety anymore, Smith has switched Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz, Danieal Manning and Josh Bullocks around so often that I can't keep it straight. I actually believe safety, not wide receiver, is the Bears weakest position group.
But ultimately, it all comes back to Harris and Urlacher, the two most talented and accomplished players on the defense. The two were dominant when the Bears defense was at its best in 2005-06. Do they still have it in them? The outcome of the season depends on it.
You are now free to resume obsessing over every throw Jay Cutler makes in practice.
Great points, Jason.
I have been reading Super Bowl stuff from Bears fans, who think Ditka is God, when it comes to this team. Not only do Da Bears not have a good receiving core, but their defense has aged in the last two years. When the defense has been aging and been exposed for the last two years, why would anyone think third time will be a charm? I don't think any offensive football team is scared of Da Bears defense anymore.
Since the Colts torched Da Bears defense in the Super Bowl couple of years ago, Da Bears defense was never the same anymore, and that's why they have been absent in the playoffs for the last two years.
I don't see why this year things will be different. This group is old and overrated, and I find it hard to believe "Lovie" and Rod Marinelli, the former head coach of the 0-16 Lions, will do things differently.
This is one reason why I like the Packers to win the division this year.
Since I am bashing Da Bears defense, it boggles my mind why Da Bears decided to let Ron Rivera go after cordinating a good defense in the first few years of the Lovie era.
I don't see the Packers defense really being much better than Chicago's IMO
I agree; Green Bay's defense is also questionable.
The Bears might be able to win the division by playing mediocre ball. The NFC North doesn't figure to be strong. But to get to the playoffs AND win in the playoffs, the defense has to be much, much better than it was a season ago.
The Packers' defense was good enough to get them to the NFC Championship Game just couple of years ago. My how we forget things.
The Packers had a good draft with their defense, and I think that will be an improvement along with the hiring of Dom Capers as their defensive coordinator. Capers has always run a good defense everywhere he has gone so I feel good about the Packers.
Anyone that thinks Da Bears defense is good is delusional not to mention still dreaming about the past from 2006. Guess what? 2006 is long over.
2007 is also long over. The Packers went 6-10 last year. They stink, just like everyone else in the NFC North.
Here's the difference.
That 2007 Packers defensive unit was full of young players so there is an upside to them, and I feel a good defensive coordinator can get the most out of them, and Capers have accomplished that in many stops that he has coordinated.
Da Bears defensive unit have not gotten any younger. They have gotten older, and I haven't seen a young up-and-coming defensive players in quite some time.
Timberwolf to English Translation: Its Chicago, there for its bad