By Dionne Miller, FOX 32 Sports Anchor - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
"I guess I was just an old guy on my last leg". the words of Lance Briggs when asked about this aged defense leading the league in take-aways and finding a way to improve each week. Age continues to be just a number- as Brian Urlacher said- if you look at us on tape, you wouldn't notice how old we are- hopefully you'll think we're younger.
They look it. The Bears defense has led the way through 4 weeks. They are 3rd in sacks (15), 3rd in rush defense, and 11 Interceptions is an NFL best- led by Tim Jennings (4) who today was named NFC defensive player of the month- to the surprise of no one in his locker room. He deserves the praise. Can't ignore the high level of his play right now.
Lovie has said Jennings was one of those guys who took what they told him after last season- and found a way to get better. That says a lot about him and his competitiveness...doing what he has to do get better.
He says he's always known he's a good player- he's now just making the plays.
He's not alone. The NFC could have picked 3 or four Bears for the honor- Henry Melton, Julius Peppers, Peanut Tillman, Lance Briggs. This "vintage" defense continues to get better every week- because they want to. They all push each other. With age comes familiarity and a comfort level that allows them to play fast, disciplined and do what they are good at. And stopping the run has been the key- which allows them to play more cover 2- not a favorite for Urlacher because "i'm not involved." He basically has to run all over the middle and hope the opponent tries to do something there. He did say he's great at congratulating when someone makes a play on cover 2. "I'm the number one high fiver when someone makes a play." Ha! He's fine with that so long as they continue to get better. Right now they are.
On to Jacksonville: Maurice Jones Drew is the biggest offensive weapon the Jaguars have- so stopping him is key to stopping the run on Sunday.
Rod Marinelli said he's just a load- and we have to gang tackle him to take him down. Stop him and make the Jaguars one dimensional the Bears should be in business. (Jags are 32nd in the league in total offense...dead last)
Injury Front: Urlacher had a rest day ( it's Thursday so no surprise there). Julius Peppers was held out one more day with his ankle, Evan Rodriguez is improving but was out. Earl Bennett still limited with his
wrist- so big question mark there for Sunday. While Matt Forte was listed as limited but told us he is pain free getting ready for week 5.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
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