Idonije: My blocked kicks are a team effort
Until the Bears did it last week, no NFL team had blocked a field goal in four straight games since the Packers accomplished the feat in 1982.
Defensive lineman Israel Idonije has two of the blocks, in Weeks 2 and 3 -- and he blocked an extra-point attempt against the Lions last week to make it an unprecedented three straight for him.
The athletic 6-foot-6, 275-pound Idonije may be the key component, but he says he couldn't get the job done without a lot of help.
"Blocking a kick is a collective effort," he said. "I've got Darwin Walker and Anthony Adams on my right and left, pressing the pocket. 'Lack' (Brian Urlacher) and Hunter (Hillenmeyer) behind giving me that push, and that's everything, the double push, helping you get that extra momentum. We've been working well together."
Idonije entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent of the Cleveland Browns after playing college ball at Manitoba, where he was male athlete of the year and voted the outstanding lineman in Canadian University Football. He said there are variations to how the block squad operates, but some things, like penetration, are constant.
"The ball has to come out at a certain angle," he said, "so you've got to pressure the line, get to the second level, penetrating. That's the key."
Interception record on tap: Packers quarterback Brett Favre has already established NFL career records this season for victories and TD passes, and the Bears want to see him break another record Sunday night.
"He's the all-time NFL leading touchdown passer guy, so that's a big deal." linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "But there's a record I'd like to see him set on Sunday, and that's the interception record. We talk about that."
Favre has 275 career interceptions and needs 2 to tie the all-time record for career picks held by George Blanda.
The Bears intercepted Favre six times in 2005 and three more last season, but Urlacher said it's not easy intercepting a Favre pass, even when it's a bad throw.
"We've all dropped balls thrown by him in the past," Urlacher said. "We may have a chance to catch it, but it's easier said than done because it's coming so fast at you. He still throws the ball as hard as he can. He still tries to just put it in small windows, which he can do. The thing is, just like in the past, when he does hit guys, they don't catch it -- on defense that is -- because he throws the ball hard."
Injury update: Cornerbacks Nate Vasher (groin) and Charles Tillman (ankle) missed practice, as did offensive tackle John Tait (ankle) and running back Adrian Peterson (calf). Vasher has not even attempted to run yet and will not play Sunday. Tillman was limping badly, and neither he nor Tait are expected to play.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) and safety Brandon McGowan (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis and are expected to play Sunday. Guard Ruben Brown (shoulder), offensive tackle Fred Miller (knee) and safety Adam Archuleta (hand) went through the full practice and expect to play.
Court update: Linebacker Lance Briggs (hamstring) was not at practice because of a court date resulting from his one-car accident last month.
Briggs received one year of court supervision, was sentenced to 15 days of community service and assessed a $480 fine after pleading guilty to leaving the scene of the accident, a misdemeanor; and failing to immediately report the crash of his $400,000 Lamborghini Murcielago. A citation for improper lane usage was dropped.