Chicago Bears' defensive strength part of the bargain

After an unimpressive beginning, the Chicago Bears' defense has shown flashes of brilliance, thanks in part to a core group of veteran free agents working on one-year, make-good contracts, which are turning out to be excellent bargains.

The defense has allowed just 1 touchdown in each of the past three games and in four of the last five.

Three starters - lineman Jarvis Jenkins, outside linebacker Sam Acho and cornerback Tracy Porter - were signed in the off-season for just one year and for less than $1 million.

All three have returned dividends and are hoping their performances result in more lucrative, longer-term deals.

"We've been growing as a defense every week," Acho said. "Even early in the season we were still putting some good film on tape.

"What we weren't doing was finishing, and I think we've learned a little bit more and matured a little bit and learned how to finish a little bit better as a unit."

In victories at San Diego and St. Louis the past two weeks, the Bears' defense allowed an opening-possession touchdown but kept both opponents out of the end zone the remainder of the game.

Acho says the calm demeanor of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been a steadying influence. Last week the Rams rolled 80 yards through the Bears in just seven plays, but there was no panic on the sidelines.

"He's steady," Acho said of Fangio. "Last week we gave up a big touchdown, and he didn't waver. He trusts his players, he trusts the scheme, he trusts his preparation, and we've seen it pay off."

Acho, who also leads the Bears with 8 special-teams tackles, didn't become a starter until Jared Allen was traded Sept. 28. Since then he has been the Bears' third-leading tackler with 31.

Jenkins has started every game and has 23 tackles, tied for the team lead among linemen with rookie Eddie Goldman. Jenkins also has a career-best 3½ sacks after getting just 2 in his first four years in the league with Washington. He's second on the team with 12 quarterback pressures.

Jenkins started 33 games over the previous three years but was deemed expendable. He came to the Bears knowing he needed to improve as a pass rusher to make himself more marketable.

"Anytime you come from a team where you only got 2 sacks, it's like, 'What am I not doing? What am I not doing right?'" said the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Jenkins. "The main thing was finishing (as a pass rusher).

"I don't think I did a good job of finishing in the past. (Defensive line) coach (Jay) Rodgers is teaching me, if the (first) move doesn't work, keep going because it's going to open up. I'm learning that and I'm taking advantage of it."

Porter, who has a lengthy history of injuries over his eight-year career, was hobbled by a strained hamstring at the start of the season but worked his way into the starting lineup by Week 4.

"He's done a good job for us," Fangio said. "He's played his position well from a mental and physical standpoint. He's done a good job of covering, and he's brought a nice experienced influence to the team."

If it took Porter a couple of games to feel comfortable in Fangio's scheme, that's understandable. The Bears are Porter's fifth team in as many years.

"I'm taking each and every rep that I get in the game and I'm trying to make the best out of it," he said. "If I continue to do that, I'll continue to gain more confidence and I'll continue to feel more comfortable in the defense."

Although Porter leads the team with 10 pass breakups, he's still looking for his first interception.

"I know it's coming at some point," he said. "I'm just trying to continue to execute and close in on the ball as fast as I can."

If the defense continues to improve, at least some of those one-year deals could lead to multiyear contracts in the off-season. But Jenkins, who had 3 sacks in the first four games but just a half-sack in the past five, isn't taking anything for granted.

"I have a lot more to do," he said. "I have to pick it up, have to show those guys what I showed in the first four games and up my game. I don't want them questioning whether to sign me back or not. I want it to be a no-brainer."

He's not the only one.

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