NightLink: Israel Idonije Tightening His Belt

by Dane Noble on May 28, 2009 4:25 PM CDT

Despite Israel Idonije and agent Drew Rosenhaus wanting a contract extension for the backup defensive end, Idonije is still showing up to work and giving it his all. He is also shedding some pounds off of his weight.

610x_medium

Idonije said he plans to report to training camp in late July at 265 pounds and intends to remain at that weight for the 2009 season.

The 6-foot-6-inch Idonije topped off at 306 pounds last season as the Bears used him at defensive tackle. He was gaining weight at this time last year.

It is no secret that Defensive Line/ Assistant Head Coach Rod Marinelli likes a ton of speed coming off the ends to get pressure on the quarterback, and he likes what he sees from Idonije.

Movement is so important in this scheme – quickness and speed – and (Idonije) has that. He can really fly. He’s got good movement, good balance. I’m excited about him

Idonije recognizes the fact that the Bears will reward their players when they earn it, and he says that he plans on doing just that in 2009.

"I’m going to come in and do what I’ve always done and that’s just work and give everything that I have,’’ he said. ``This year is no different.

``I love Chicago, and I think everything will work out fine. But it also starts with me and my production on the field. I have to put myself in position where I can shine and make plays.’"

Well big fella, we are certainly rooting for you this year, along with the rest of your peers on the DLine. Last year is something that we would like to easily forget... 2009 will hopefully produce plenty of pressure on the QB, making a much easier job for our secondary (who aren't exactly instiling a lot of hope right now).

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yawn

I like Israel Idonije well enough (bet nobody can spell his first and last name the same way twice in a row…I know I sure can’t). But his purpose and value on this roster remains, in my opinion, overrated. What he can be is a serviceable and versatile role player. That’s a good thing. But making him out to be more than he really is? Silly. We are far better off investing our time in what Jarron Gilbert or Henry Melton may become.

Awww, come on guys, it's so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings ...

by BLou on May 28, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

Props to Israel for putting his body thru the beating it's taking for the teams sake. Add 40 lbs for 2008 and drop it for 2009.

He obviously is a team guy, not a prima donna.

by BigGeorgeTX on May 28, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions

I absolutely...

Love that picture of Izzy. He looks like a rabid wolverine going in to rip Rattay’s head off.

by Chitownproduct on May 28, 2009 10:27 PM CDT reply actions

He might not be Elite

but he is what defines a BEAR… Love the heart…Maybe this is his year.

If you live in Chicago you are a bears fan, if you move from chicago you stay a bears fan, if you move to chicago you will be a bears fan.

by chi-town on May 29, 2009 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions

couldn't agree more

and after this year we can drop ogunleye, leaving a hopefully re-energized anderson, brown and izzy in a nice 3 man rotation in 2010 with melton contributing some too.

by genetic on May 29, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

You never know

but with his dedication and the higher level of coaching and excitement that seems to be getting into the Bears, maybe he will have a break out year. Hell if he really gets down to 265 he might be freaky fast for his size. That’s a big weight drop.

He has never really been given a consistent amount of reps at any position. If he is strictly going to be playing end behind Ogunleye, maybe he beats him out.

by Fridge72 on May 29, 2009 9:02 AM CDT reply actions