Having difficulty remembering the last time they played? It was Jacksonville, 14 days ago…they won. Big. All thanks to the defense and it started with Charles Tillman's pick six in the 3rd quarter. His team record 8th career defensive touchdown breathed new life into the Bears- on both sides of the ball.
When Lance Briggs followed in the 4th they became the first teammates in NFL history to each record a pick 6 in back to back games. (Now do you remember?)
The defense is tied for the league lead in take-away's with 17. It's a mentality absolutely ingrained in them from the head coach. Lovie Smith's emphasis on stripping the ball and interceptions comes from simply playing hard.
"It's about how we play the game," according to Briggs. "If you play the game hard there are some opportunities there, just don't miss the opportunities…It's engrained. I think I teach my kids to recover fumbles and stuff like that when they drop a bottle or a sippy cup…it's getting ridiculous."
Brian Urlacher agreed. It's not second nature, "it's first nature."
It's cliché to say we must win the turn over battle, but Lovie believes it's a winning edge that isn't emphasized by a lot of teams. The Bears do, and it works. In fact, the Bears haven't won the turnover battle but lost the game since week 5 of last season…against Detroit. Rod Marinelli says it comes down to applying pressure up front and playing hard and smart.
"Hard and smart work together…they practice (take away's) everyday, they enjoy it and they are good at it," Smith said.
There was some debate as to who has the best hands on the defense. Briggs said it's tough to say, but he's definitely top three. Urlacher said he's number one just never around the ball. But when he heard Briggs put himself in the top three, Urlacher said he'd put himself right there too, top three.
Later Briggs came into the locker room and let all of us know they are both in the top three - but he's one or two - Urlacher is two or three. So the question remains who else is in the group…perhaps we should ask Matthew Stafford after Monday night's game.
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.
