Chicago Bears 2006 defensive preview

By Paul Eide  |   Monday, July 31, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Chicago Bears
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The 2006 Chicago Bears defense has a lot to live up to. After an 11-win season that the majority of NFL pundits didn't see coming last year, it would seem that the only way they can go is down. Look a little deeper and you'll realize it wasn't just one year, but an upward trend that began in 2004 during Lovie Smith's first season as head coach.

The key to the Bears' turnaround was obviously the defense, but more specifically, it was the unrelenting, blitzing-style implemented by Smith upon his arrival in Chicago. Smith's belief in slimmer, faster, more aggressive defenders began to pay dividends immediately in '04, when the defense scored a franchise-record six touchdowns, recorded three safeties and led the NFC in defensive scoring.

In 2003, the year before his arrival, the Bears finished with an all-time franchise-low 18 sacks. Since his arrival, they've averaged 38 per year, including a total of 41 last year, tied for ninth in the league. Interceptions have also increased. The year before Smith's arrival, the defense totaled 15. In the two years since, the defense has averaged 20 1/2 interceptions, including 24 last year, tied for second in the league.

Part of this success can be attributed to Smith's belief in rotating his on-field defensive personnel beyond the 11 starters, and translating that depth into constant pressure. The defensive line is anchored on the ends by Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye, while the interior is held down by Pro Bowler Tommie Harris, but three other players (Ian Scott, Alfonso Boone and Tank Johnson) also regularly rotate. While opposing offensive linemen don't have the luxury of taking a play or two off, the Bears are allowed this luxury and do not miss a beat thanks to overwhelming depth. For example, Tank Johnson, ranked third on the depth chart, had five sacks last year which tied him for seventh among NFL defensive tackles, despite starting only four games.

This intense style of "offensive" defense is perfectly suited for the ball control offense the Bears use and ultimately eases the necessity of offensive production. In 2005, the Bears held seven opponents to three or less second-half points, illustrating how Smith's philosophy takes its toll on opposing offenses.

The disruptive nature of the defensive line serves as a catalyst for the rest of the defense (sixth in the NFL in takeaways with 34) and frees up the linebackers to roam the middle of the field. Led by '05 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Brian Urlacher and first-time Pro Bowl selection Lance Briggs, perhaps the most valuable attribute these two possess is athleticism.

They are big enough to shed blockers at the line of scrimmage and stop the run; they are also fast enough to cover slot receivers or running backs out of the backfield. As a testament to their aforementioned athleticism, Briggs is the only linebacker in league history to return an interception for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons, while Urlacher has scored two touchdowns in his career (27-yard touchdown reception and 90-yard fumble return).

Rounding out the linebacker position is Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is entering his fourth season in the NFL. Though he is often overshadowed by mega-watt stars Urlacher and Briggs, Hillenmeyer is a solid player in his own right. He ranks as the Bears' third leading tackler over the last two seasons and started 13 games at the strong side linebacker spot in '05.

The secondary is led by strong safety Mike Brown, who owns the franchise record for defensive touchdowns with six (four by interception returns, two by fumble returns) and was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season. Though it was first trip to Honolulu, Brown has a strong reputation throughout the NFL for his hitting ability and his vocal leadership. Brown missed the last four regular season games and most of the NFC championship game last year due to a calf injury, but is now back at full strength.

On either side of Brown are cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, who anchor the NFL's fifth ranked passing defense.

Tillman, coming off of a career-high five interception season, is a shutdown corner who provides the Bears with a big (6-1, 196), physical presence on the outside and the speed to cover receivers one-on-one during a blitz.

Complementing Tillman on the other side is two-time Pro Bowl participant Nathan Vasher, who has accumulated 13 interceptions in his first 32 games and returned two of those for touchdowns. Though Vasher isn't physically imposing (5-10, 180), he has a nose for the ball and a knack for the big play, as evidenced by his 108-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown against the 49ers last year -- the longest play in NFL history.

With the retirement of primary nickel back Jerry Azumah due to injury, general manager Jerry Angelo needed to solidify his secondary, and did so by signing free agent defensive backs Ricky Manning Jr. and Dante Wesley from Carolina. Both players bring playoff and Super Bowl experience to the team, but it is Manning whose name most fans will remember. This is due thanks largely to the three Donovan McNabb passes he picked off in the 2003 NFC championship game, leading Carolina to its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

If Mike Brown remains healthy, the Bears have arguably the best secondary in the league. However, the safety position looked a little thin at times after Brown's injury last season and may be cause for concern. This could explain why the Bears spent a second-round pick on Division II safety Danieal Manning.

Former starter Mike Green, who lost his starting free safety position to rookie Chris Harris in Week Two, was forced back into action in Week 12 by Brown's injury, has since been traded to the Seahawks after falling out of favor with the coaching staff. Harris enters the season as the starting free safety one year removed from being a sixth-round draft choice. Not much was expected of Harris during his rookie campaign, but he ended up starting 13 games and providing the steady play that Mike Green could not.

Another reason Danieal Manning may have been drafted is for his effectiveness in the kick return game, an area where the Bears need improvement and a legitimate threat. In college, Manning averaged 12.8 yards on 19 punt returns with one score, and 26.8 yards on 13 kick returns with another score.

Yet another second-round draft pick, former Miami Hurricanes star Devin Hester was an All-American kick returner in 2004 and should compete for that same role with the Bears. In his three years at Miami, Hester returned 41 punts for a 15.6-yard average and four touchdowns. He also averaged 25.5 yards per kickoff return while scoring two touchdowns. Hester also led Miami in interceptions (four) in '04 as a cornerback, and played at running back, fullback and receiver in '05.

The Chicago Bears' defense enters 2006 as one of the best in the NFL. While no major additions were made, none were needed. The Bears could benefit from a consistent contribution offensively but, until then, the return game may be the key to the season, as added scoring punch in this department could keep the Bears on the field until early February, setting their sights on Super Bowl XLI.

- Get more original Chicago Bears insight at Realfootball365.com
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