NightLink: Impact Players in the NFC North

by Dane Noble on Jun 9, 2009 5:17 PM CDT Comment 28 comments

Tharris_medium

If you were asked who you thought would need to step it up the most for the Bears this year to make a serious push for the NFC North title, who would you think of? Many believe it starts and ends at the QB position, and many think it is ILB. Some could argue the RB, or even the LT position. But, this writer believes hat the key to the upcoming Bears season is Tommie Harris.

The Bears were subpar on the defensive side of the ball in 2008. Despite the fact new quarterback Jay Cutler (notes) has been getting all the attention this offseason, if Chicago wants to compete for an NFC North title, it will need production from its defense, especially Harris.

Although the Bears were fifth in the league in ’08 against the run (93.5 yards allowed per game), they were 30th against the pass (241.2 ypg), and that can be attributed to the lack of a pass rush from their front four. As I’ve written before at the NFP, Tampa 2 defenses such as Chicago depend on a solid push from their front four, which allows the secondary to keep receivers in front of it and limit the explosive plays in the passing game. Harris, although he contributed five sacks in ’08, needs to return to the dominant form he had during the Bears’ Super Bowl run in ’05.

He has the ability and talent to be a Pro Bowler when he’s healthy. Chicago brought in new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli – the former head coach in Detroit who’s considered one of the best teachers in the league, for a reason – to push Harris and the entire front four. Cutler or not, this ball club needs to play better defense to win games, and it starts up front.

To an extent, I'd agree with him. So much of our defensive misfortunes last season, whether it was Urlacher's diminished production, or the coverage "problems" in the defensive secondary, could be attributed to the poor pass rush from our front four. But, how much of that was poor coaching is also questionable.

Another "impact player" that could really make a difference this season is Devin Hester. We should certainly see increased receiving numbers from him with the addition of Jay Cutler, but I also think that Hester could contribute to a huge degree in other aspects.

For example, punt return; regardless of whether he will take any punts all the way to the end zone, his mere presence, as we have seen in the past, can cause complete strategy changes from opponents.

He will also draw plenty of double-teams when he is split out wide, opening up single coverage on the other WRs. And we certainly can't overlook the possibility of him getting behind the defense, and having Cutler hit him 60 yards in stride. Maybe Hester is the sexy answer, but he is my pick for impact player this year. He is certainly the most dangerous player we have.

The other impact players, according to the article, in the NFC North:

Detroit: WR Bryant Johnson

Minnesota: WR Percy Harvin

Green Bay: NT BJ Raji

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Agree, but the safety position could be our Achilles heel this season

If they don’t figure out that spot ASAP, teams will start loading up to take advantage of that weakness. Also – how about a comeback year from Urlacher? If he continues to underperform from his prior seasons, that could be trouble as well.

by Waylon on Jun 9, 2009 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Priority #1 is to get a pass rush...

There’s no question about it. Harris has to start showing some consistency or all bets are off. There is no excuse for anything less than pro bowl level performance from this man. Finding a good running mate that will stay on the field and not the training room will go a long way in accomplishing this. If Harris has to fight double teams like he has in the past, we’re in trouble.

by Boilerbuzz on Jun 9, 2009 6:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's exactly the point I was going to make.

Adams or Dusty (haha) or whoever starts beside Harris has gotta play big and take the pressure off of Harris. Harris needing to perform is a given, but without consistent pressure from the other DT, teams will focus strictly on him and shut him down.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay

by JerBear50 on Jun 10, 2009 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Impact players

Minny- I totally disagree with Harvin being their difference-maker, X-factor, whatever you want to call it. It all starts and ends with the QB position for the ‘Queens. If he doesn’t get the job done they’re going to be one and done in the playoffs, or possibly not even make them.

Bears- Harris is key, but the entire front four especially Whale need to step it up big-time.

Lions- can’t really argue about Megatron being their impact guy.

Cheesedicks- Raji is a pretty good choice, but to put that much pressure on a rookie DT is not a good thing. Everyone knows how difficult a transition it is for a rookie defensive lineman to make a positive impact. I’d go with AJ Hawk as being the most crucial defender, or maybe Kampman.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu

by propheteer on Jun 9, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Lions impact player on this list is Bryant Johnson, not Calvin Johnson

by chase17 on Jun 9, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone else on this board think that BJ Raji was a very soft looking lineman at the combine?

The man may have some ability but he was just a big tub of goo physically. I think stamina will become a big issue with him. I realize you don’t have to run much playing the nose, but his lack of conditioning spells injury somewhere down the line. The Packers have a lot riding on his coming in and starring immediately, certainly not guaranteed regardless of where he was drafted.

by BigGeorgeTX on Jun 9, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He had a decent combine, especially in the bench press.

Raji is 340lbs, and only 6’2", so he is gonna look a bit squatty. I don’t remember him looking out of shape at all during the combine, but maybe I am wrong. You can see a combine highlight video of his combine performance here. (pops)

I do however remember Andre Smith being quite out of shape (I think from his Pro Day at Alabama?)… this one pops too.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. "Rec" comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

by Dane Noble on Jun 9, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Andre Smith link is going to be his topless 40-yd dash, isn’t it?

Entertaining and disturbing in equal measure :-D

"They tried to take out the quarterback, and if they managed that, they tried to take out the backup." - Bears SB20 TE Emery Moorehead, on the mentality of *that* defense

by Spongie on Jun 10, 2009 5:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When Harris is healthy?

God bless him for fighting through it, but all you hear about every week during the season is how Tommie is battling injuries. Is a healthy season even realistic for him anymore?

I got the idea last year that he was past his prime. Someone please tell me I’m wrong.

by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 9, 2009 6:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

O.K. You're wrong.

"The cup is not half empty and neither is the cup half full. The cup's just too damn big." -George Carlton

by Just Dave on Jun 9, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and you're welcome.

"The cup is not half empty and neither is the cup half full. The cup's just too damn big." -George Carlton

by Just Dave on Jun 9, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA HA LOL

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen"
~ Michael Jordan

by ChiBullsFan on Jun 10, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could you convince me?

I can’t tell if you’re being serious.

by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 10, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, you're pretty much correct.

The guy hasn’t been healthy since the ’05 regular season.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu

by propheteer on Jun 9, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want him to “make me proud”, Like he said he would

by Grizly1 on Jun 9, 2009 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The WR who comes in and really establishes himself as a #1 for the Bears

would, in my opinion, be the biggest impact. Whether it is Hester (right now he’s #1 by default only), Bennett, or Iglesius, if one of these guys stands out as a legitimate NFL #1 receiver, that would put a stamp on an offense that has struggled since the Eric Kramer days. It also validates the Cutler trade and takes pressure off of a defense who has a lot to prove. If the Bears offense ever reaches the point where the rest of the league are afraid of them on a consistent basis and allows the defense some rest from both time of possession and putting a lot of points on the board, then they have to be considered a strong Super Bowl contender. With a QB of Cutler’s ability and a RB like Forte (assuming there’s no sophomore jinx) there is no better opportunity for the Bears to finally take that step.

by BearFan611 on Jun 9, 2009 11:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bryant Johnson?

Over Calvin? Or Stafford? Or whomever they have at RB (esp important if Stafford wins the job)…

Harvin? Over Peterson?

This list is whack.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 9, 2009 11:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but you know those players are going to perform.

They’ve gotta have someone else around them step up to take pressure off. At least I think that’s what he was trying to establish with his list.
And I’ll skip the Whitney Houston “whack” joke. :)

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay

by JerBear50 on Jun 10, 2009 1:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Yeah. Using “whack” in a sentence isn’t my proudest moment.

There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons

by Allie on Jun 10, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's a lot of players/positions that need to step up this year

But if the Bears are going to make a serious push for the Super Bowl, I think that the d-line and Tommy Harris is a big key.

We know what Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Devin Hester are going to bring to the table. They’ve improved the line and picked up some potentially solid receivers in the draft – they’re only rookies, but I really like the upside of Johnny Knox and Juaquin Iglesius (especially Knox). So for the first time in years, I’m not as worried about what the offense is going to do.

I think you’re right, Tommy Harris is basically the wild card for the Bears on defense. If he can have another monster, pro-bowl caliber year, I think this team is going to win a lot of games and go deep into the playoffs. If he’s hurt and doesn’t step up and lead, and make an impact for the the team, then it could be a long year for the defense…

by JimmyMack on Jun 10, 2009 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the prospects of Jarron Gilbert

I know hes only a rookie. But we have seen other rookies on the defensive line come in and make an impact (Mark Anderson) so its not out of the realm of possibility if he were to come in and provide a spark. They say they are trying him out as DT and with his 6’7" frame, he would force Quarterbacks out of the pocket by just with his size alone in the middle. An Albert Haynesworth type, I know Im getting ahead of myself but hes a freakish athlete with good size alongside Tommie Harris he could be good I think.

by ANYTIME09 on Jun 10, 2009 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tommie and Wally...

…Need to step it up, hardcore.
HOWEVER, I also think that Nate F’in Vasher needs to get back to old form in a HURRY for us to have a chance this year, or someone to step up behind him and be that playmaker. Otherwise the dude is on my PERMANENT SH*T List, and members of that club are (in no particular order):
Hitler
David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends)
Carrot Top
Perez Hilton
Terrell Owens
Jerry Jones
Brett Favre
Jimmy Fallon
Rosie O’Donnell
and Mark Schlereth

by Bearsguy34 on Jun 10, 2009 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did you "drop" Rashied from the list?

by BearFan611 on Jun 10, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand

the D-line thing. Without pressure, the 4-3 (cover two) is crippled. That being said, with Graham moved to safety, N. Vasher becomes one of the biggest pieces to the puzzle. I know when Tillman is healthy, he’s solid. Vasher on the other hand, healthy or not, hasn’t done squat since signing his contract, similarly with Harris. These two Bears (Vasher, Harris) are on my HOT SEAT!!!

by rdent4hof on Jun 11, 2009 9:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs