Ogunleye having his best season as a Bear
In his four years with the Bears, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye has not approached the AFC-best 15 sacks he had in 2003, his last season with the Miami Dolphins.
Until now, that is.
Ogunleye has 6 sacks in the last four games, giving him a team-best 9, 1 less than he had in 2005, his best season with the Bears.
"I think I've been consistent since I've been here," the seven-year veteran said. "I just think this is the healthiest I've been since I've been here. Being healthy, you can be out there every single game. I can't get on a roll if I'm not playing every game. If I'm sitting two games, like I have the last couple years, it kind of breaks my consistency."
Ogunleye's contribution, which has been as significant as anyone on the defense this season, isn't measured just in sacks. He leads the defensive linemen with 25 solo tackles, 45 total tackles and is tied for the team lead with 4 forced fumbles.
Even Giants future Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan is impressed with Ogunleye, which he admitted on a conference call earlier in the week, although he was prompted -- by Ogunleye.
"Mike, Adewale Ogunleye is one of the best ends in the league," Ogunleye said while stopping by the press room at Halas Hall during the interview. "What do you think of him?"
"Is that him asking the question?" the perceptive Strahan said. "How did I know that? I'm no fool, man. I think he's great. I probably patterned my entire game after him. Without him there would be no me."
Without Ogunleye the Bears wouldn't be third in the NFL in sack percentage, two spots behind the Giants. He's forced a fumble in each of the last three games and last week he also recovered one.
"Quarterbacks hold the ball very carelessly," Ogunleye said. "They're not good with the ball in their hands. I've just been in the right place at the right time, and I've just been swiping the ball, and I've been making the plays. I don't think I'm doing anything extra. Just honestly the timing has been perfect."
Today he'll have a chance to extend his hot streak against inconsistent Giants quarterback Eli Manning, whose 15 interceptions are tied for the most in the NFL. Four of the picks came last week in a 41-17 loss to the Vikings. Manning has also fumbled five times, losing 3.
"It's just my time right now," Ogunleye said. "It's like when a shooter says he's starting to see the basket, and it becomes really big. I'm starting to see the plays a little better, and I'm more confident in my decision-making. Even when you're guessing, your guesses seem to turn out right."