Bears say Idonije giving what they expect: Sacks
Last week's 3-sack effort was a career day for defensive end Israel Idonije, who had 8 sacks in his first six NFL seasons while not starting more than three games in any year.
Idonije now has started the last four games, and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said the 6-foot-6, 270-pounder is doing what they expect.
“That's his job, Marinelli said. “Part of his responsibility is to pass rush. If he's not (doing that), then he's not doing his job. That's what I expect him to do his job.
Idonije leads the Bears with 4 of their 9 total sacks. Because of the presence of Julius Peppers on the other side, Idonije is usually blocked by just one player. But he still has to win that battle, and then it's easy.
“(Just) get there, Marinelli said. “That's what we want. You've got to get there. You've got a single (block), you have to (win). That's part of the responsibility in this defense.
“Every man has got to understand his role, what he has to do, and the standards are going up, not sideways. I believe each guy can get that done, (he) just has to keep working.
Not keeping up:
The Bears' defense is in the top seven in the NFL in total yards and rushing yards allowed, average gain per pass and rush allowed, third-down efficiency and, most important, points allowed. Special teams are No. 5 in punt-return differential and No. 9 in kickoff-return differential.
The offense really doesn't have any stats worth bragging about.
“We're still a work in progress everywhere, offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. “We're trying to get the right guys in there, and we're learning the offense, and we're trying to establish the running game and just trying to hang in there and win.
“The defense and special teams are playing lights out, and eventually this is all going to settle in and calm down (on offense).
Waiting game:
Tight end Desmond Clark finds himself in an awkward and unfamiliar position.
After starting 68 straight games for the Bears from 2004 until his back injury in last year's season opener, his role has been greatly diminished this season. He has been inactive the past two weeks and has just 1 catch for 12 yards in the first five weeks of the season.
The Bears are well-stocked at tight end this year with Greg Olsen second on the team with 15 catches and 6-foot-2, 295-pound Brandon Manumaleuna carrying the load as an extra blocker. And Kellen Davis contributing on special teams, that has left Clark as the odd man out.
“You want to be out there playing, the 12-year veteran said. “But there's only so much you can do about it.
For three straight seasons (2006-08) Clark caught more than 40 passes and started every game. He has not been offered any explanation for his inactivity, nor has he asked for one.
“If you ask for explanations, and it's not what you want to hear, or you don't think it's legitimate, then that's when you start getting frustrated, so I just go out to practice and I've let that speak for me. I hope it's a temporary thing.
No surprise:
With the Bears leading the NFC North at 4-1, while the 3-2 Green Bay Packers and 1-3 Minnesota Vikings deal with devastating injuries and off-the-field distractions, the bandwagon is getting crowded, but Brian Urlacher got in on the ground floor.
“My position hasn't changed, said Urlacher, who leads the NFL with 6 ½ stuffs (tackles of a ball carrier for negative yardage). I still feel like we're the best team in our division. I said that at the beginning of the season. I feel the same way now. I don't really care what (the Packers and Vikings) do. It just matters what we do.