Jay Taft: Chicago Bears DE Israel Idonije out for sacks this year
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By Jay Taft
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jun 17, 2012 @ 01:03 AM
Last update Jun 17, 2012 @ 01:34 AM
LAKE FOREST — Israel Idonije’s goal hasn’t changed. It’s just changed in importance.
So he’s trimmed down, he’s chiseled his body in the weight room, and he’s defined his mission for the year.
“Absolutely, this year I’m focused on playing lighter than I ever have, and this year is about getting to the quarterback,” he said. “Above everything else, it’s about getting to the quarterback.”
Known as “Izzy” to his friends and co-workers, the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder from Lagos, Nigeria, was a standout special-teams player for six seasons before he got his shot on defense. He worked his way into the defensive-end rotation in 2008, then equaled Julius Peppers’ eight sacks in 2011 in his first year as the full-time starter.
But Izzy accumulated just four sacks last year, and the Bears were in the bottom half of the league with 33 sacks, well off the pace set by the Vikings and the Eagles (50 sacks), and just 10 ahead of the team with the fewest sacks, Tampa Bay.
His job is to complement Peppers, one of the most feared pass rushers in the league, and his abilities were questioned this offseason. But does he feel more pressure now?
“Every year it’s there, and that standard is there. Guys have to show up and elevate their level of play and perform the way they’re supposed to. That sure goes for me this year.”
Last year Idonije’s numbers dipped, but he still had 47 tackles, and finished with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also has 36 special-teams tackles and seven blocked kicks in his career.
But he is not ready to take a step back when it comes to pass-rushing skills. And he can’t afford to if he wishes to stay on the Bears’ defensive-line rotation.
Known as “Izzy” to his friends and co-workers, the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder from Lagos, Nigeria, was a standout special-teams player for six seasons before he got his shot on defense. He worked his way into the defensive-end rotation in 2008, then equaled Julius Peppers’ eight sacks in 2011 in his first year as the full-time starter.
But Izzy accumulated just four sacks last year, and the Bears were in the bottom half of the league with 33 sacks, well off the pace set by the Vikings and the Eagles (50 sacks), and just 10 ahead of the team with the fewest sacks, Tampa Bay.
His job is to complement Peppers, one of the most feared pass rushers in the league, and his abilities were questioned this offseason. But does he feel more pressure now?
“Every year it’s there, and that standard is there. Guys have to show up and elevate their level of play and perform the way they’re supposed to. That sure goes for me this year.”
Last year Idonije’s numbers dipped, but he still had 47 tackles, and finished with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also has 36 special-teams tackles and seven blocked kicks in his career.
But he is not ready to take a step back when it comes to pass-rushing skills. And he can’t afford to if he wishes to stay on the Bears’ defensive-line rotation.
“We all know that,” defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “We all know we have to get better in that area, and that’s all there is to it.”
Many thought Idonije would be moved inside more often this season after the Bears drafted Shea McClellin, an undersized defensive end, in the first round. But there has been little movement in the offseason practice sessions, and Idonije doesn’t think it’s the right time — although he wouldn’t mind a little versatility thrown into his job description.
“No, I will be playing light this year, so I doubt I’ll be moving inside much. I would love to get inside, on passing downs or situational, or when the coach just says ‘Hey, we need a guy down there.’ But I’m focused on getting to the quarterback from the outside.”
And in any way possible
“Whatever it takes.”
Jay Taft covers the Chicago Bears for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at 815-987-1384 or jtaft@rrstar.com.
Good to see Izzy trimming down I think he might have his best year.
