Bears defense stopping opponents' big plays
Despite drastic defensive improvement during the current four-game winning streak, the Bears aren't doing anything differently scheme-wise than they did during a 2-3 start.
They're just doing it better.
“It's just guys concentrating, doing a better job of guys doing their (own) job and not worrying about what anybody else is doing,” middle linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “Guys are just taking accountability for doing their assignment and not getting nosy in other peoples' gaps. Doing your pass-rush responsibility and guys getting pressure on the quarterback.”
The most noticeable improvement has been the reduction of big plays.
The defense allowed five plays of at least 50 yards in Games 2-5, including two of more than 70 yards in the Week 5 loss to the Lions. Since that game, however, the Bears have not permitted any plays over 40 yards. Last Sunday, Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson had a 40-yard reception, but Detroit did not have another play longer than 20 yards.
“We're doing the same things we've been doing all along,” coach Lovie Smith said. “We believe in our system. We believed in it when we played Detroit (the first) time. Giving up big plays isn't part of our system; it's keeping the ball in front of us. We're putting the guys in the same position that we try to each week. We're not going to change what we do an awful lot this week.”
During their winning streak, the defense has allowed 70.5 rushing yards per game. In the previous four games, which included 3 losses, the defense permitted 142 rushing yards per game.
While the system remains the same, the personnel at safety has changed, with rookie Chris Conte starting each of the past four games and second-year man Major Wright starting three of the four after missing two of three with minor injuries.
It would be premature to say either is entrenched, but the increased speed and range in the secondary have helped limit big plays. Both will be tested again this week by a San Diego Chargers team that has lost four straight but is No. 7 in total yards and No. 4 in passing yards.
Lately, the defense has been equal to every challenge. In the past four games, the Bears have allowed just 3 passing touchdowns while picking off 9 passes. In the four games before that, the Bears had just 3 interceptions, while their opponents had 9 TD passes.
Aside from the play of the safeties, the Bears have a veteran defense that features players who have been in the system for years.
“It's about execution, and that's what the guys are buying into more, and (they're) just playing their role,” Smith said. “This crew has been playing together for a while now, too. So I think they know what we're trying to get accomplished.”
Take-aways are always a staple of a Bears defense under Smith and coordinator Rod Marinelli, and they have come in bunches during the winning streak, including 6 on Sunday, the most by a Bears team since 1995.
A byproduct has been a reduction in points allowed (16.25 last four), while the Bears forced 12 turnovers. In the previous four games, the Bears allowed an average of 27.5 points and had just 5 take-aways.
“Everything is coming together, but we can't get on our high horse and say we've arrived,” nose tackle Anthony Adams said. “There are still some plays we left out there. Against Detroit, we made a lot of plays. But we just have to continue with the formula we have now and we'll be all right.”
Ÿ Nickel cornerback D.J. Moore did not practice Thursday after suffering a sprained ankle during Wednesday's practice, and he could miss Sunday's game.
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