Bears now getting what they need from Harris

Q. Why are we finally seeing the old Tommie Harris, and how important is his performance to the Bears' defense as a whole?

A. By design, the Bears' defense thrives with a dominant three-technique defensive tackle with disruptive quickness and power.

Over the last month, Harris has fit that description. When he is right, Harris is the engine of the defense. He demands a double-team, collapses the pocket, disrupts the running game, creates a new line of scrimmage, and forces the action to the defensive ends to make plays.

Harris was challenged by some personal issues, a team-imposed suspension and a cranky knee. He is responding to those challenges in a professional manner, and on fewer snaps per game. It is keeping him fresh, quick and powerful, which is exactly what the Bears need from their three-technique defensive tackle.

Q. Who will be the bigger challenge to the Bears for the NFC North title, the Packers or Vikings?

A. I can't pick one over the other. Of immediate concern is beating the Vikings in a stadium in which the Bears have lost five times in their last six trips. This is the only challenge they or anyone else should worry about. A win creates December separation in a shrinking season that still includes a Soldier Field rematch with the Packers.

In my opinion, the outcomes of both games decide whether or not the Bears will win the NFC North.

Q. How important is Matt Forte and the running game down the stretch?

A. Playoff-caliber teams have to run the ball to win, so Matt Forte will have to be productive running the ball. Forte is more than just a run option. He is also piling up yardage on screens, checkdowns and on routes outside the numbers. He is a quality three-down back who presents matchup problems as a receiver.

Forte runs behind his pads very well, falls forward after contact and is blessed with tremendous vision. The offense relies on Forte giving Kyle Orton a chance to be an effective play-action passer while defenses key on the rookie.

Q. What's wrong with Devin Hester as a return man?

A. Through the first 12 weeks, only 9 kickoffs and 14 punts were returned for touchdowns on 2,242 chances. That means 97.5 percent of the time, there were no touchdowns. The league average on kickoffs this season is 22.9 yards, and it's 9.7 yards on punts.

Hester is below the league average on both counts this season. He is trying to live up to unrealistic expectations, including his own. He really believes he should be scoring 5 or 6 touchdowns a season on returns. No player has ever done that in NFL history.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Hester is pressing. He's trying to do too much with every kick. I also think the blocking for Hester has been inconsistent. You also have coverage units and kickers around the league executing well-designed game plans to limit Hester. He's also suffered from bruised ribs and a bruised quad this season.

The fact remains: Hester is still dangerous.

Q. What are the reasons for the drop-off in the production at the wide receiver position the past three weeks?

A. First, Kyle Orton's ankle injury upset the rhythm of the passing game. Second, Rex Grossman played the following six quarters before Orton's return in Green Bay. Finally, the Titans and Packers were physical with the Bears' receivers to the point of distraction. Field position was horrible, challenging offensive coordinator Ron Turner's playbook. It has been a perfect storm of trouble.

Hester and Rashied Davis have combined for 61 catches, 754 yards and 4 touchdowns. That's not bad, but Brandon Lloyd missed more than a month. Marty Booker has not been a factor since Week 7 against the Vikings and has a bruised knee.

Q. How can the Bears focus on stopping the Vikings' Adrian Peterson while not getting hurt by Gus Frerotte in the passing game?

A. They have to pressure Frerotte, beat up his receivers and defend the alleys and intermediate routes over the middle, where tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is doing damage. He scored a touchdown against the Bears in the first meeting on a seam route.

Bear defenders have to play inspired, aggressive football, as they did in St Louis. It's different team, different atmosphere and different situation, but the matchup requires the same approach and intensity.

Make no mistake, though, the focus will be on stopping the run to earn the right to rush the passer. They will also have to be aware of Chester Taylor, who is poised to get more than just third-down snaps for the Vikings.

• Wheaton resident Jeff Joniak is the voice of Bears broadcasts on WBBM 780-AM, which begins its game-day coverage three hours before kickoff. Each week throughout the season, Joniak or Tom Thayer will answer key questions from Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald.