[CBFF] Is Defense Chicago's Biggest Problem?

[Tom Shannon]

Ah, the first official "Smith is on the hot seat" article of the year.
Gotta love it.

Tom S.

Sent to you by Tom Shannon via Google Reader: Is Defense Chicago's
Biggest Problem? via NBC Sports - Pro Football Talk by Gregg Rosenthal
on 7/6/09
When Jay Cutler was acquired by the Bears, many observers felt the
franchise was finally whole. The team finally had a franchise
quarterback to go with Lovie Smith's vaunted defense.

The only problem with that assessment? The defense has been
inconsistent at best the last two seasons.

Brad Briggs of the Chicago Sun Times believes the defense is Chicago's
biggest issue heading into camp. Smith will try to turn around their
fortunes because the personnel is mostly the same.

It's easy to buy the argument. The Bears were mediocre in points
allowed last season, and well below average in yards allowed, passing
yards, and sacks.

Smith is counting on coaching, not players, to solve the problem.
Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was added to shake up an
underachieving pass rushing group. Smith will now call the defensive
plays.

Cutler should upgrade the team's passing fortunes, but the offense
remains a work in progress because of inexperienced wideouts.

If veteran defenders like Brian Urlacher, Adewale Ogunleye, and Nathan
Vasher can't improve their play, Smith could be calling plays elsewhere
in 2010.


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