Bears Blitz

Published by Jake Perper on April 1, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

We all saw it coming, but we didn’t really believe that Jerry Angelo and company would dump there most consistent defensive player the Bears had.

Defensive end Alex Brown, 30, is an eight year veteran who has spent all of his NFL career with the Bears. He was making $5 million a season and the Bears couldn’t afford to keep him.

He only had two years left on his deal, but the signing of Julius Peppers, the resigning of inconsistent Mark Anderson, and switching Israel Idonije back to DE made it impossible for him to get playing time.

The former Florida Gator, Brown finishes his career in Chicago with 43-and-a-half sacks, 375 tackles (55 for a loss), five interceptions, and 15 forced fumbles. His 43 1/2 sacks rank fourth in franchise history, he’s trailing only Richard Dent, Steve McMichael and Dan Hampton.

Brown was one of the most underrated ends in the game during his time here. He appeared in 127 consecutive games, missing one game in his eight years here in the windy city.

Brown was actually looking for a contract extension because he still thinks he’s in his prime, but the Bears said absolutely not to his wish. About a week ago they floated his name out there on the trade market, but there was no takers because of his contract.

Brown played alongside Adewale Ogunleye since 2004, now they are both no longer members of the Bears. In Brown’s first couple of seasons he played with safeties Mike Brown, Mike Green, and Bobby Gray. I thought it was neat they had so many players with colors  in their names starting on defense. Alex Brown was a fan favorite, a highly talented player and a very underrated player who will be missed in Chicago. He played defense like any of the “Monsters of the Midway” would play.

The Bears would have been wise to keep Brown because of his experience and consistency on defense. Imagine a line with Peppers, Harrison, Harris, and Brown, with all the depth on the bench. It could have been a vicious defense, the kind that led them to Super Bowl XLI. Pass rush has been a problem for the Bears ever since that season ended.

Brown was a big part of the defense that season. In his career he constantly ran around the field and when he sacked the QB or made a big tackle in the backfield he would do his gator chomp celebration. He showed his enthusiasm for the game by constantly smiling when he made those game changing plays.

Brown will find another team to play with, and so will Adewale Ogunleye, but I don’t see either of them as starters at this point in their careers. Maybe New England or San Diego will make a move for Brown, I know Ron Rivera would love to have Brown in a Chargers uniform.

Good luck Alex Brown, thanks for all your hard work. I wish you could have retired a Bear.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.

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