Harrison plugging gap, with help from his friends

Part of the reason why the Bears didn't miss three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris while winning their past two games is because they have Marcus Harrison.

The third-round pick from Arkansas isn't a Pro Bowl player like Harris or even a starter, but he's contributing as a regular member of the Bears' defensive- line rotation.

Harrison has the benefit of learning from a veteran group of linemen, and he credits them with helping ease his transition to the NFL by making sure he maintains a sharp focus.

"Along with (defensive-line coach Brick Haley), I think I'd be lost if it was- n't for them," the 6-foot-3, 310- pound Harrison said. "Anthony Adams, Israel (Idonije), Wale (Ogunleye), Alex Brown, Tommie. All those guys help me out every day."

Harrison already has demonstrated that he has a firm grasp on the physical part of the game. He's not considered much of a pass-rushing threat, but he does have 2 sacks, tied for second on the team with Idonije, just 1 behind Brown. That's already half as many sacks as he got in his Razorbacks career, even though he was a four-year starter.

Being in the same meeting room with a veteran group, Harrison says, helps his approach to the mental part of the game.

"In our room, it's about what we allow and what we don't allow," Harrison said. "Things like not running to the ball or missing assignments. We're big on that. That'll get you ripped real fast.

"If you want to be out on that field, you've got to be accountable. A guy like Alex Brown is not going to let you step out on that field not knowing what to do and not going full speed."

Harrison knows that if he slows down, he will hear about it, and not just from one or two players.

"They don't let me get in a comfort zone, and that's what I like," he said. "I look for something to be said every day."

Lately, most of the talk about Harrison has been positive.

"He's played very well," defensive coordinator Bob Babich said, "but he's still a rookie. He has a lot of things to learn, but he's awfully talented, and he's willing to learn. We've been very pleased with his progress."