Bears lineman Idonije making the most of Peppers Effect

**dabears54** · 10-27-2010, 04:58 AM

Nice to see izzy getting the props deserves.. and making brown an afterthought.. though some don't seem to like that

Bears lineman Idonije making the most of Peppers Effect'

By Matt Trowbridge
RRSTAR.COM

Blocking a Donovan McNabb pass that nickelback D.J. Moore returned for a touchdown didn’t seem like a big deal to Israel Idonije.

“He was looking straight at me. I put my hands up,” Idonije said.

But it was a big deal.

“It was pretty much all Izzy,” Moore said.

It was a play that kept the Bears tied with Washington 7-7 after one quarter Sunday despite being outgained 144 yards to minus-5 at the time.

“Our defense is playing good ball. Our foundation is still set,” coach Lovie Smith told Chicago reporters Monday, the day after the Bears’ 17-14 loss to the Redskins.

Three players get the lion’s share of Chicago’s defensive credit: linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and $91.5 million defensive end Julius Peppers.

A fourth should be added: Idonije.

“He’s playing really well,” Peppers said. “The guy goes out and practices hard every day. He’s getting a chance now. We expect him to make plays. So far he’s living up to it.”

The Bears knew that no matter how many zillions they spent to bring in Peppers, he couldn’t make a difference alone. But they said the Peppers Effect would help Chicago’s other three defensive linemen.

At first glance, it hasn’t worked that way. Chicago has actually gotten worse in sacks, dropping from a tie for 13th last year to a tie for 23rd this season.

“The pass rush is good,” Peppers said. “Sacks are overrated.

“That’s how they are going to measure you, especially as a defensive end, but that’s overrated. Hurries, get a quarterback to throw an interception — those type of things are worth more than just getting a sack.”

Those other numbers do show an improved pass rush. Chicago has climbed from 31st in passes defended to 14th and from a 22nd-place tie for interceptions to seventh.

In all those numbers, Idonije has been a team leader. His team-high 4 1/2 sacks are more than double Peppers’ two. He’s also forced two fumbles, tying Peppers, and knocked down two passes. His 22 tackles are six more than anyone else on Chicago’s defensive line.

“I just do what I’m supposed to do,” Idonije said. “I’m trying to solidify myself in the position. I want to show that I can be that guy in this league. I can produce. That’s all I’m trying to do, letting my team know that I can help us.”

Idonije has looked good at times in six previous years for the Bears, but coaches kept moving him to defensive tackle, even after they had him lose 40 pounds to play end.

Or they sat him on the bench behind lesser players like Mark Anderson, whom the Bears finally cut after four games this year.

Idonije didn’t mind the wait.

“Everything in our lives happens when it’s supposed to happen, so it’s the right time,” Idonije said.

For him. And for Chicago (4-3). Idonije says the Bears, armed with a defense that ranks second in the NFL in points allowed (16.3 average), can still be who they thought they were before losing the last two games.

“The team that we put on the field after the bye is the team that we are and the team that we are supposed to be,” he said.

Maybe. If nothing else, the Bears are at least who they are supposed to be at both defensive end spots.

Assistant sports editor Matt Trowbridge

**dabears54** · 10-27-2010, 07:17 AM

izzy:

22 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2FF, 0 FR and 2 PD

alex brown:

13 tackles, 1 sack, 0 FF, 0 FR and 2 PD

**motownbear** · 10-27-2010, 08:04 AM

so do you think Brown would have those same numbers playing opposite PepperS?

and beyond Peppers and Izzy we have no real quality depth on the dline. You are telling me at worst he isnt worth being a swing DE?

**dabears54** · 10-27-2010, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by motownbear

so do you think Brown would have those same numbers playing opposite PepperS?

and beyond Peppers and Izzy we have no real quality depth on the dline. You are telling me at worst he isnt worth being a swing DE?

No, think brown would end up as he did his whole carerr somewhere between 5-6 sacks, so we shall see if izzy can get more tahn 1.4 sacks the rest of the year- do think izzy is playing better than alex did in 2008 and 2009 for sure this year.

And no, do not think wise to spend $5.5 mill for a DE to sit on the bench, I would have thought you would think the same.

**motownbear** · 10-27-2010, 08:31 AM

when you dont have depth you might have to. They arent giving Wooten a chance and Turner who knows. Brown has to be better then those two. Did anyone really think Anderson would be good?

**dabears54** · 10-27-2010, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by motownbear

when you dont have depth you might have to. They arent giving Wooten a chance and Turner who knows. Brown has to be better then those two. Did anyone really think Anderson would be good?

Again about resoruces- if you think izzy was going to be better( and so far that is being proven correct), you do let a 30+ player go, instead of paying him $5.5 mill to be a part timer and using that money elswhere( like to pay peppers or chester taylor). You do not Keep a player at that salary if not starting or can get the same production for 1/3 less
.

**motownbear** · 10-27-2010, 08:49 AM

I hear you. I like what Izzy has done and knew someone should step up with Peppers presence. Just was hoping it would be Tommie Harris. Also disapointed with all the draft pick DEs none of them are stepping up when Peppers and Izzy are getting breathers. I like what Melton is doing also he should get an honorable mention

**dabears54** · 10-27-2010, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by motownbear

I hear you. I like what Izzy has done and knew someone should step up with Peppers presence. Just was hoping it would be Tommie Harris. Also disapointed with all the draft pick DEs none of them are stepping up when Peppers and Izzy are getting breathers. I like what Melton is doing also he should get an honorable mention

Agree harris has been an extreme disapoint so far( though did show life this past week) and really thought he'd be alot better with Peppers next to him. melton is a suprise and hope he continues to get time, think there is something there. Gilbert and harrison quickly sliding to "bust" area

just saying and know for some, they can *never* give credit to the ebars for anything- This was one move that has worked out well, and OK to give the devil his due when a move works out- esp. one that was so soundly criticized.. We had a ton of brown will have a great season with saints! watch!.. no one will step up! we are screwed!"..

Well izzy has stepped up and done arguably better and alex doing zip with Saints- shows was the right move- and if going to always hammer the bears when a move doesn't work, should also be able to admit and give credit when a moves does work, if being realistic. just seems all bad moves maginfied 20X and people ignore the good moves and reamin silent when it works for bears. Not sure why that is?

**Boochee Man** · 10-27-2010, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by motownbear

so do you think Brown would have those same numbers playing opposite PepperS?

and beyond Peppers and Izzy we have no real quality depth on the dline. You are telling me at worst he isnt worth being a swing DE?

A 10 mil swing DE? I don't think so. lol

**gammabears** · 10-28-2010, 01:26 AM

I'm sorry, but I'm still pissed that the Bears cut Alex Brown. Izzy is a great player and all... been saying this for years before he was a starter.

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