Defensive depth key to Bears' success

Last year the Bears' defense folded like an accordion when injuries hit because the group lacked depth.

The team dropped eight of 12 games during a stretch in which the defense was unable to overcome the loss of starters like free safety Mike Brown, nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek, Vasher and defensive tackle Anthony Adams.

The defense plummeted from No. 6 in total yards allowed after two weeks, all the way to 28th.

But this year's group may be better equipped to handle the inevitable injuries that occur each season.

"That's why we talk about playing as many players as we can throughout," Bears coach Lovie Smith said, "not just when we have injuries where we have to (play them)."

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris has missed the last two games, first with a knee injury and then because of a team suspension. Cornerback Nate Vasher, a Pro Bowl pick in 2005, was held out against the Lions because of a hand injury.

But the Bears won both games and find themselves atop the NFC North at 3-2, as other players took up the fight in Week 4's victory over the Eagles and again Sunday in rout at Detroit.

The Lions were held to just 185 yards, the defense's best effort in nearly two years.

Five-year veteran Israel Idonije has filled in exceptionally well for Harris, who has been reinstated and is expected to play Sunday at Atlanta.

As he did even before Harris' problems, Idonije played extensively in the Bears' D-line rotation, and he will continue to get significant playing time. He led all the team's linemen Sunday with 3 solo tackles, and he had 4 tackles plus a sack a week earlier.

"Israel Idonije really stepped up," Smith said. "He has taken advantage of every opportunity we've given him since he's been here. He played very well (Sunday) like he has the last couple weeks, and he hasn't peaked yet. He has a lot of ability, and I only see him getting better."

Rookie Marcus Harrison has also shown flashes with Harris out. He picked up his second sack Sunday, tied for second-best on the team.

At cornerback, Corey Graham, last year's fifth-round pick, had gotten snaps in earlier games as a situational replacement for Vasher. He provided a seamless transition as a starter Sunday, leading the Bears with 10 tackles and helping contain the Lions' big, talented wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams.

"Anytime you miss a player like Nate, of course it hurts you," Smith said. "But Corey Graham has played well every time he's been given an opportunity."

At 6-feet and 193 pounds, Graham provides another physical presence in the secondary along with cornerback Charles Tillman and safeties Mike Brown and Kevin Payne.

"He did an outstanding job," Smith said of Graham's play Sunday. "We talked about him in training camp, about the improvement that he's made, and that has carried on. He was aggressive in his play as a tackler, No. 1. A lot of times corners don't want to tackle. But he did a good job with that. He played the pass well. We were pleased with his overall play."

Harris and Vasher could both be back this weekend against the Falcons, but if not, this year's defense has shown so far that it can maintain its level of play at less than full strength.

"We obviously need Tommie when he comes back," defensive end Alex Brown said. "But we've got guys who can play. Just because they don't play, it doesn't mean they can't play."

Idonije and Graham have proven that, which was expected.

"That's what you're supposed to do," Brown said. "You get your number called, you're supposed to step up and play. They did a great job."

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