Both Bears lines to be tested against Giants

Bears coach Lovie Smith may be asking a bit much from his defensive line in Friday night's game against the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Clearly the Bears' offensive line has a tough job, considering the Giants' defensive line was the catalyst to their title run. But Smith is putting pressure on his D-line as well.

“This also will be a big challenge for our defense,” Smith said. “Our defensive line has to outplay their defensive line.”

Even without defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who reportedly will not play for the Giants, matching the G-Men up front is a tall order for the Bears' defensive line.

But it's not totally unrealistic given its performance last week, which saw Israel Idonije get 2½ of the line's 3 sacks.

The experiment of moving Idonije from defensive end to tackle in nickel situations to get the best pass rushers on the field was a rousing success. He got to the quarterback last week from end and tackle.

“He's rushing better, and he's going a little bit faster,” defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “Going inside helps him because it speeds up his hands and feet. Everything's faster (inside). That helps him as an end.”

Unlike at end, Idonije doesn't have to worry about contain responsibilities when he's at tackle, and he can focus on getting to the quarterback. He also enjoys an edge in athleticism working against guards, considering offensive tackles are generally much more agile.

“He's kind of slithery in there,” Marinelli said. “It's like having four basketball players rushing the quarterback — long, lean guys that can really move and are athletic.”

The 6-foot-6 Idonije feels more at home at end, but he's been looking comfortable inside as well.

“I do whatever is necessary,” he said. “Physically, I think I'm more suited to end. I mean, I'm 265, so I'm built to be more on the outside. But, if it's in nickel situations, (obvious) passing downs, then lining up at the 3 (technique) is not a problem.”

The first-team pass-rush package usually includes Julius Peppers and rookie Shea McClellin at the ends with Idonije and Henry Melton inside.

They'll have to be good to get to Eli Manning, considering only five teams had a lower sack percentage than the Giants allowed last season.

On the other side of the ball, the Bears still are searching for the right combination to improve their pass protection, and it's not just the left-tackle position that needs to be solidified.

After Chris Spencer's disappointing play at left guard in the preseason opener, Chilo Rachal got some first-team reps there last week.

Even if Rachal doesn't win the job from Spencer, the Bears expect him to provide quality depth, which is why they signed the former San Francisco 49er as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season.

“He brings intensity,” offensive coordinator Mike Tice said. “He wants to be good. He's played in a good program, so he's done a lot of winning in his life. He wants to get better; he wants to do things the right way.”

Rachal missed almost a week of training camp with a groin injury but bounced back to play well in the second preseason game.

“He had a little setback, but I felt like he went in the game and he picked up where he left off,” Tice said. “I was very pleased with his play, and I was also pleased with Spencer's play (last) week.”

ŸHaving recently rewarded Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte with a four-year $32 million contract after already signing backup Michael Bush to a four-year $12 million deal in the off-season, the Bears decided they couldn't afford another $1.26 million for Kahlil Bell.

Bell was asked to take a $500,000 pay cut but declined and asked for his release, which was granted. Although he rushed for 337 yards and averaged 4.3 yards per carry last season, the fourth-year veteran was not expected to get much playing time behind Forte and Bush, and he isn't a major contributor on special teams.

“Thank u for all the love and support Chicago,” Bell tweeted. “It's been a great ride. The windy city is truly an amazing place and I will miss y'all.”

The Bears still are well stocked at running back with Armando Allen, who provides more of a change-of-pace with his speed and quickness, and Lorenzo Booker, who had a 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week against Washington.

Bell had 16 carries for 47 yards in the first two preseason games, including 36 yards on 10 carries last week.

rlegere@dailyherald.com