Thread: So far, with 14 sacks, Bears relying on 4-man rush

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter6:48 p.m. CDT, September 28, 2012


During the preseason, Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli mentioned the possibility of blitzing more — particularly with linebacker Lance Briggs — to generate added pressure.

Such hasn't been the case so far.

"I'd love to get after the quarterback but, you know, that is the way it is," Briggs said. "I am actually happy … if we're not blitzing the quarterback and you can get a four-man rush, it's great for the team.''

Fellow linebacker Brian Urlacher echoed that.

"I think I blitzed once this year; it has been great,'' he said. "Any time you get pressure with those guys we have up front now, there's no reason to bring (extra) guys and put your (secondary) in a bad situation..''

Indeed, the front four has been dominant through three games thanks, in part, to Marinelli mixing combinations and keeping his pass rushers fresh. The Bears lead the league with 14 sacks and stand second in sacks per pass play.

Defensive linemen have accounted for all but one of the team's total, led by defensive tackle Henry Melton's three, with strong-side linebacker Nick Roach getting the other.

But Marinelli is in no rush to scrap his blitz packages. In fact, cornerbacks Tim Jennings benefited from blitzes on two of his NFL-leading four interceptions: a Roach delayed blitz against the Packers and Major Wright's safety blitz against the Colts.

"Blitzing is still a big part of it,'' Marinelli said. "You never know when you might stall up front. It all works together. You have constantly to work the two of them — blitzing and the four-man rush.''

Defensive back D.J. Moore has had much success with the nickel blitz in the past, but says he can't recall how many times he has blitzed this season. He's not overly concerned about it, either.

"I just know I have zero interceptions,'' Moore said. "It's a good thing when (the front four) is getting pressure, because us DBs are trying to get interceptions.''

It will be intriguing to see what type of approach the Bears take Monday night in Arlington, Texas. The defensive line should be able to dominate a suspect Cowboys offensive line, but Tony Romo's elusiveness could create problems.

"It's tough (to blitz) Romo because the ball comes out so quick,'' Marinelli said. "And he's mobile and all those things. (Regardless), you work hard at executing your style of defense … whatever it is.''

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune




I really hope they can keep up the work for the rest of the season. It has really worked well for us, and the best part is (hopefully) that it won't matter who we have on the field to create presure, now I'm not really much into other teams but is it possible that the Bears have the best 4-man rush in the league, it must be close if ain't true. Shea, Peppers, Melton what ever the name is, the Bears will come for you Romo..