Bears Blitz

Published by Esteban Olivo on May 18, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The arrival of Jay Cutler has brought a new energy to the Bears organization as a whole, and with that energy, questions.  Questions about how this team will tweak its blueprint to accommodate the abilities of a Pro Bowl quarterback like Cutler.

Head Coach Lovie Smith was more than willing to oblige with answers during a session with the media over the weekend.

“I don’t think anything will change as far as our philosophy on winning football games.  We have to be able to play great defense; not good defense, great defense. And we plan on doing that.”

With Smith taking over a defense that was very disappointing last season, one must question how much exactly will change if the calls are the same?  While the prevailing thought is that Smith will get away from the Babich Box, that’s not entirely true.  Everything the Bears do is out of a Cover Two shell. 

Even before Blitzin’ Bobby decided to let Urlacher and the boys sniff the offensive line’s helmets before the snap, the Bears generally employed an eight man box and then switched to a Nickel look on third down.

While it not is not entirely known what Lovie Smith’s direct impact on the defense will be, we can still look at past defenses he’s coached.

Looking back at Smith’s resume, his thumbprint on a defense has been consistent: His units always rank at the top of the league in takeaways, his defenses always hustle to the ball, and they always have solid fundamentals.

That is, they used to.

Watching the Bears defense last year was an exercise in frustration.  For every edge Alex Brown played perfect, there were critical pass plays he was stonewalled.  For every back Lance Briggs chased down in the backfield, there was a tackle to be had.  The big money, high profile performers were often lost and underwhelming. 

So what exactly should give Bears fans hope, considering its basically the same unit, same calls, and same mentality?

Ask GM Jerry Angelo, and he’ll adamantly tell you the difference will be Rod Marinelli.  While that’s fine and dandy, Marinelli has never had a 10 sack season, and he does not suit up on Sundays.

That said, a war veteran’s mentality should light a fire under a unit that has seen high profile contract extensions, high draft choices, free agent signings, and a revolving door of college assistants-gone-pro.

Among the changes Marinelli promises to deliver is the a motivational technique known simply as Marinelli Madness.  Key to a Cover Two is pursuit and gang tackling.  Put on any Bears game circa 2006 and enjoy.  What Marinelli Madness instills in its subjects is a primal instinct of pursuit; lions chasing wildebeests, cheetahs on the prowl and the like.  Think National Geographic for the locker room. 

Also of note on the defensive line will be the battle at Nose Tackle, where Lovie Smith has been known to favor Anthony Adams.

Tight Squeeze on a Full Roster

With the signing of TE Michael Gaines last week, the Bears created a logjam at the TE position, which was already considered a strength.  Gaines will be used as an inline blocker and H-Back, leaving many to question the fate of fifth round draft choice Kellen Davis.

Don’t buy it.

Let’s not forget that the Bears often carry two fullbacks on the roster at some point every year, and while many have high hopes for UDFA Will Ta’ufo’ou, don’t ignore the money trail.  Ta’ufo’ou is in line for a 15K signing bonus.  Gaines’ contract could be worth up to 1.25 Million.

Look for a situation where The Bears carry FB Jason McKie, last year’s three TEs with Michael Gaines as a flex player.  Ta’ufo’ou will most likely see the Practice Squad with Fontel Mines being the odd man out.