SH,
I understand,all I'm saying is 20 games of football & practices all season does the human body no favors.

I think they were more effective because they were rarer, and because the front four was better at generating pressure on its own. If you need six to block four, that fifth rusher is going to be more effective.

Defense in football is pretty simple. The more players you need to get pressure, the less effective the defense will be. The cover two worked so well in 2005 and 2006 because the front four generated good (but not great) pressure, and you had an all-pro MLB. The corners were also effective at playing the rush, which helps. Once that pressure dissipated, the defense needed to play more "aggresive," and the personnel didn't match that. Plus, aggressiveness is fine, until you get burned repeatedly, then it is really bad. Of course, no one will ever blame the aggressiveness, and the call will probably be for more aggressiveness, not less.

The only D-lineman that regularly commanded double teams last year was Tommy Harris. If Julius Peppers and Tommy Harris require double teams this year, that means six will be needed to block four again, or one of those two will go against a single blocker. That's the plan. Let's see if it works.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

So what have we learned about the Bears Defense after two preseason games?

A few random thoughts:

To my eyes, Tommie Harris hasn't been very impressive. He lacks explosiveness off the snap and looks like "just another guy" on the field. Anthony Adams has been the team's best defensive tackle recently, and it appears things will be no different in the coming season. That ain't good.

Zach Bowman can't be that bad, can he? He looks like he'll need a compass and map to find the receivers he's supposed to be covering. Peanut is still the team's best cornerback.

The overall level of physical play displayed thus far has been very disappointing. Compared to other teams I've watched this preseason--Jets, Giants, Vikings, 49ers, Patriots, Packers--the Bears look soft. And I don't believe they're going to close the "physicality" gap when the regular season arrives. The Bears need Major Wright in the starting lineup. He's one of the few thumpers they have.

The coaching staff still has no idea how to design effective blitzing schemes.

While I'm sure the team will improve over the next month, other teams will, too. The defense is aging, weak and (in many respects) poorly coached. They're going to make this another long year for Bears fans. Julius Peppers will have a positive impact, but he can't be expected to carry a unit with so many glaring weaknesses (defensive tackle, cornerback, safety).

Awesome.

Are we really going to judge their defense based on what they've done in the preseason? You're a smarter football guy than that.

Are we really going to judge their defense based on what they've done in the preseason? You're a smarter football guy than that.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

Are we really going to judge their defense based on what they've done in the preseason? You're a smarter football guy than that.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

A Smart football guy can recognize bad players and bad coaching when they see it. The Bears have Cutler, Peppers and a pile of crap. Take a look at the Bears schedule and give us your prediction Hova.

Awesome.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

In 2006 Urlacher, Briggs, Harris, Mike Brown, and Vasher were all difference-makers on defense. Who will be our difference-makers this year? Peppers, Briggs, anyone else?

Awesome.

You're joking.

Awesome.

Dead serious. I would be willing to debate any of my picks too.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

Urlacher
Chris Harris
Tommie Harris
Mark Anderson
Tillman

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

Ok, is that pick em league still going on despite Bigfan's lack of sanction? Cause I like my chances better now, somehow.

Awesome.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

Nas + Zach Zaidman = Match!

Awesome.

Are you saying Mark Anderson is going to be a difference-maker for the Bears or their opponents?

Awesome.

I'm usually a homer and I still do fine in that league every year. It is still available. If you haven't sign up PM me with an email address.

Many that is true, but an incomplete statement.

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Awesome.

I get to pick your avatar for a month or you get to pick mine.

Got to love how you made up new terms to this bet

You claim everyone will use a mult

Awesome.

I don't mult. My balls and my word is all I have. I'm fine with the avatars you suggested. I get to pick yours if I win and you get to pick mine. I won't bet any money with you because honestly I wouldn't trust you to pay me. I have a couple monetary wagers with a few posters already.

Awesome.

Dead serious. I would be willing to debate any of my picks too.

The next time you do let me know and I'll stop by and throw they away for you. I wipe my ass with Scottissue because it's a little softer than Benjamin's.

Get outta town.

Awesome.