[CBFF] PFW: Bears more than just Grossman, defense

[Steve Behrens]

Bears more than just Grossman, defense

By Court E. Mann  (cmann at pfwmedia.com <cmann at pfwmedia.com?subject=Response
to your column>)
Jan. 12, 2007

If you believe the "experts," the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl fortunes depend
solely on the arm of QB Rex Grossman. Turn Grossman over, and the Bears are
done.

A few "pundits" have called out their once-formidable, suddenly leaky
defense. Chicago's previously elite unit is vulnerable, and thus, so are its
championship dreams.

Well, here's one scribe that believes that before this NFL tournament is
wrapped up, it's the unheralded third phase that will be heard from.

It's hard to dispute that Chicago has boasted the top special-teams unit in
the NFL this season, and it's hard to believe it won't provide a distinct
advantage as the Bears' playoff run begins on Sunday vs. Seattle.

You know about Devin Hester. I don't have to tell you how much of a
difference-maker the NFC leader in punt- and kick-return average can be. He
scored the last of his record-breaking six return TDs in Week 14 and has had
trouble fielding the ball since, prompting some to suggest he's hit a rookie
wall. I'd point out that this "drought" just happened to coincide with
injuries to the Bears' secondary that forced him into extra duty on defense
and took his focus away from returning kicks. That will not be the case
beginning Sunday.

The Bears' edge on special teams goes far beyond Hester, however. Chicago
earned three of the four NFC Pro Bowl spots dedicated to special teams. PK
Robbie Gould led all NFL kickers in scoring and missed only four of his 36
field-goal attempts. Ten-year veteran P Brad Maynard — who entered 2006
leading the NFL in punts inside the 20 since 1997 — had another rock-solid
campaign, downing 24 inside the 20 and ranking fifth in the NFC in net
average.

But again, the competitive edge goes beyond even the higher-profile
special-teamers. After serving as a Pro Bowl alternate twice, Brendon
Ayanbadejo earned his first outright berth for his work on coverage and
return units, leading the team with 28 special-teams tackles and 112 blocks
on returns, and recovering two fumbles.

And Ayanbadejo has plenty of competition in his own huddle. Cameron Worrell
tied him in special-teams stops, Adrian Peterson forced a team-high two
fumbles and Israel Idonije recorded a blocked kick and a fumble recovery of
his own.

"We have a lot of talented players," Gould said earlier this season. "And
when you have a lot of talented players on special teams, and you have those
guys paying attention to the details, it's going to make you one of the top
special-teams units in the league."

In talking to the Bears special-teamers throughout the season, you get the
distinct impression that it's about more than just talent, however. The
sense you get is that it's a commitment from the top down. A recognition
that special teams is not an afterthought for second- and third-stringers,
but a critical element where wins and titles can be achieved.

"I think there is [a higher regard for special teams]," Bears special-teams
coordinator Dave Toub said. "Lovie's a defensive coach; he understands the
importance of special teams. He gives me enough time, a lot of time, in
practice and ample meeting time. Probably above average from what everybody
else [around the league] gets. There is an emphasis on special teams, a
great emphasis, and our guys are buying into it. The results are the main
thing, and that kind of snowballs."

The buy-in Toub speaks of cannot be underestimated. While a lot of
special-teamers around the league are more preoccupied with their snaps (or
lack thereof) on offense or defense, the Bears have a veteran group taking
professional pride in their trade.

"I think that definitely has a lot to do with it," Gould said. "Obviously we
pride ourselves on using those details that the coaches give us. I think a
lot of teams — you can see it across the board — those details may or may
not be paid attention to."

Hester echoed those sentiments.

"A lot of players around the league are just worried about offense and
defense," he said. "This organization, we stress all three phases: special
teams, offense and defense. We're trying to not be labeled as just a
defensive team, but also build ourselves on offense and special teams, as
well."

Don't underestimate what good health does for that third phase, either.
Injuries to first-stringers force special-teamers to spend their energy
elsewhere. An every-down defender simply doesn't get down the field as
quickly as a fresh special-teamer. With the exception of DT Tommie Harris
and SS Mike Brown, the Bears expect to have the rest of their Week One
starters available on Sunday.

Contrast that with the Seahawks, who have two iffy wide receivers, two
corners on injured reserve and a third who is doubtful. Everyone's talking
about the drop-off in the secondary, where Seattle is relying on two guys
signed off the street, but consider whom that leaves for the Seahawks'
coverage and return teams.

Perhaps not coincidentally, last week the Seahawks ceded a 93-yard
kick-return touchdown to the Cowboys' Miles Austin, who came into that
wild-card game struggling mightily and with a season-long return of 37
yards.

So while everyone focuses on Grossman's inconsistency and Chicago's
surprising defensive deficiencies, I'm expecting a special delivery from the
Bears at some point this postseason.