Rivera: Bears' D might be better than '06

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10-26-2012, 01:37 PM
short faced bear

Rivera: Bears' D might be better than '06

By Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes the 2012 version of the Chicago Bears' defense might be better than the one he coached in 2006 as the team' s defensive coordinator.

In reviewing tape for Carolina's upcoming matchup with the Bears, Rivera -- who played nine years for the club, winning a Super Bowl in 1985 -- said he's been entertained by the way the defense has performed against common opponents.

"It's an exciting bunch to watch," Rivera said. "As you watch these guys, you watch a team that is very opportunistic. They go out and attack the ball, and they get the football. Almost reminiscent of 2006, I think this group could be better. I really do."

Why?

"The things they do and the way they play is outstanding. I think it all starts with the two linebackers (Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs) and Charles Tillman, three guys who have been around a long time that understand how to play that way," Rivera said. "In fact, throw Israel Idonije in that mix as well. They've been doing it a long time. And the rest of the guys pick up off their lead."

Rivera said what sets Chicago's current defense apart from the one he led in 2006 is the front four, headlined by Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Julius Peppers and Idonije. Rivera also sees similarities between Chicago's current group and the one he played on in '85.

The Bears rank fifth in the league in sacks (21) with 19 of those coming strictly from the defensive line.

"As far as the one I played on, the '85 team, the way they get after people," Rivera said. "They can get after the quarterback with just the four guys. Then you watch the way the linebackers attack. These guys are downhill football players that are physical and are playmakers. And their DBs are opportunistic. You look at what Charles Tillman does, and the way he's redefining stripping and knocking the football out. It's really a true testament to that defensive philosophy that's been there for quite some time.

"Compared to the 2006 (defense) that we went to the Super Bowl with, I think this group can be better;. I really do because the front four is probably better (than 2006), and it really begins with those guys up front."

Bears Boast Ferocious D

The Bears have more combined forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions than any other team this season despite already having their bye week.
Combined forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions, this seasonTeam
FF/Sack/INT
Bears 48
Texans 40
Giants 40
Cardinals 38
Patriots 38

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bear...better-than-06
10-26-2012, 01:54 PM
soulman

Better pass rush and better pass defense. I'd say those two things are the major differences I've seen.
10-26-2012, 02:16 PM
short faced bear

Next year the 4-3 and Lovie 2 come back into vogue. Book it :-)
10-26-2012, 02:18 PM
JustAnotherBearsFan99

The overall team is a lot better than that 2006 team.

I think this is a better defense than 2006. Also, this is a better balanced team, that also has far better depth at most positions.
10-26-2012, 02:37 PM
soulman

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustAnotherBearsFan99

The overall team is a lot better than that 2006 team.

I think this is a better defense than 2006. Also, this is a better balanced team, that also has far better depth at most positions.

Oh yeah, stem to stern it's a better team. The 2006 team made some big plays in key games to win and stay on top but talent wise this team trumps them all over the place. The only area that lags is the offensive line and maybe by the end of the year that won't be as big of an issue any more.

We can only hope huh?
10-27-2012, 12:30 AM
Dagan81

I didn't get to watch any of the 2005 Bears games down here. How does this year's defense compare to the Bears of 2005 that led the league in almost every statistical catagory?
10-27-2012, 12:35 AM
dRose

Our special teams are no where near 06 bears special teams though.
10-27-2012, 12:57 AM
Jimmors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagan81

I didn't get to watch any of the 2005 Bears games down here. How does this year's defense compare to the Bears of 2005 that led the league in almost every statistical catagory?

We didnt lead the league in "almost every statistical category."

As far as they compare, both were great at takeaways, but id say this unit (12) is slightly better. Both units were great at keeping teams from scoring, but the '12 team needs to continue this pace to keep the comparison accurate, but i would give the edge right now to the '05 unit for yards allowed. Both were good at pressure, but we get alot more sacks from our DL now than we did in 05, but i believe iirc that we used LB blitzes more back then too.