Chicago Bears Pass Rush: How Does It Rate?
Short answer: not good. However, with the accomplished Julius Peppers now on the team, the future looks better. Let's break it down with some stats:
ProFootballFocus writer Khaled Elsayed published a very informative article about pass rush productivity. LINK
They broke down every single pass rushing opportunity for each player and credited 1 point for a sack and 0.75 points for a QB hit or QB pressure to get Pass Rush Points. Then divide by the number of pass rushing opportunities (minimum 200 rushes, 175 players ranked) and multiply by 100, and voila: Pass Rush Productivity.
Julius Peppers: 9.47 PRP; 8th among 4-3 DEs, 16th among all players.
Adewale Ogunleye: 7.69 PRP; 20th among 4-3 DEs, 37th overall.
Israel Idonije: 7.38 PRP; 3rd among 4-3 DT (but only had 200 pass rush attempts), 47th overall.
Alex Brown: 7.23 (27th ranked DE, 49th overall).
Mark Anderson: 7.04 (29th ranked DE, 53rd overall).
Tommie Harris: 3.78 (26th ranked DT, 131st overall).
Anthony Adams: 3.62 (30th, 137th overall).
Marcus Harrison: 2.41 (43rd ranked DT, 157th overall = turrible).
If you add up all the Bears pass rush stats for the guys with a minimum of 200 pass rush attempts, then you get cumulative numbers of:
2,256 pass rushes, 24 sacks, 40 hits, 98 pressures for a score of 127.5 and a PRP = 5.65 (22nd in NFL)
Minnesota's PRP = 7.39 (3rd)
Green Bay's PRP = 6.24 (15th)
Detroit's PRP = 5.23 (25th)
The Bears were slightly better than the Lions...just great. /sarc
I did a little math and subtracted out Brown & Ogunleye's numbers and added in Peppers' numbers to get a revised PRP = 5.77. A very slight improvement (up to 21st in NFL).
What really needs to happen for the Bears' defensive line to get to the QB better is for Tommie to improve...a lot. His 2nd half of the season was better than the first half. He needs to carry that momentum into this season.
Next, Idonije needs a lot more snaps; much more than Marcus Harrison, if Izzy ends up playing any DT this season. He's slimmed down to play DE though, so we don't really know how he'll do. As a pass rushing DT, Idonije was outstanding. As a left DE, we don't know how he'll do or how much he'll play. I'd like to see Izzy play left DE on 1st & 2nd down and then slide over to DT on 3rd downs while MA comes in to rush at left DE. MA could also play right DE for a few series while Izzy is on the left when Peppers needs a breather or when Peppers plays the left himself. Also in the mix in the DE rotation is Jarron Gilbert and rookie Corey Wootton. Will they bring anything to the table?
Finally, our secondary not sucking would help a lot.
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Comments
The thing about Wale is he only tried to rush the passer.
He was all about getting a new contract and that meant sacks. His run defense was beyond awful last year.
by Mike Mueller on Jun 9, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
NO!
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jun 10, 2010 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Hmm
I thought Alex Browns PRP would of been a bit higher, he wasn’t a sack machine per se but he did seem to have a lot of QB hits and hurries this past season, not to mention his productivity in the run game.
Not to dwell on the past or anything with Alex but I hope putting all this faith in Mark Anderson and having izzy drop weight, again to play DE pays off. Guess we’ll find out.
The picture really makes me feel like they
are discussing STDs…I don’t know why, anyone else?
There is nothing worse than hitting submit on an a great post, only to realize you spelled a word wrong
by BearNecessities on Jun 9, 2010 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Also, does anyone ever click on the player profile links?
Jarron Gilbert’s has this written about him
Explodes into the backfield consistently. Versatile thanks to his jaw-dropping tools.
yep, it says Jaw-dropping tools
There is nothing worse than hitting submit on an a great post, only to realize you spelled a word wrong
by BearNecessities on Jun 9, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
That's tuuurrible
So much so that it deserves a rec.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
Thats what she said?
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Tommie – I don’t know, I just have that not so fresh feeling.
Peppers – great… go see a doctor.
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 9, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Peppers – Got an itch, huh?
Tommie – I’ve gotta keep my job somehow. And actually, Virginia’s not half bad.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 9, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
do you only want one answer?
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 9, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
dont stiffle his brilliance.
BearNecessities you're my assistant, okay you're supposed to
back me up and go get me juice boxes when I tell you. Now go get me
a juice box.
by Ditkavsworld on Jun 11, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
ugh...
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 9, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
You know, if you're going to go...
Go all the way.
The same joke, but to the tune Meet Virginia by Train in some sort of pseudo-MTV slow motion daydream, capped off with a fade out on both of them walking along the sidewalk using their his and hers walkers.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
Haha
I got it when I looked at the picture a second time.
by GriggsBriggs on Jun 9, 2010 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I just don't think that it's realistic
For Izzy to “toggle” back and forth between DT and DE… If he’s really down 260 or 270, I don’t see him getting any snaps at tackle, this year. That means Harrison, Adams and Harris are gonna have to step up their games, on the interior line.
A guy who may actually be able to switch back and forth like that might be Gilbert. But you don’t really hear him talked about very much, anymore.
I don't want Izzy playing DT in run situations either.
However, on 2nd and really long or 3rd and long, having him rush from the DT spot, even at 260 lbs isn’t that big a problem for me.
Gilbert was drafted as a DT, but played a lot of DE last year. He’s going to be used like Izzy I think. He’ll play DE some and DT some.
by Mike Mueller on Jun 9, 2010 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Gilbert … played a lot last year
He did?
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
maybe it should have read
Gilbert …playedpracticed a lot of DE last year.
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 9, 2010 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah, that makes sense.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
I was thinking the same thing…must be the same guy that wrote the profile
by Sonicbob on Jun 9, 2010 1:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Reading is fundamental...not for you though.
I did not play a lot. He played a lot of DE (when he played at all).
Without the “when he played at all” qualifier, we could say Melton played a lot as a kickoff returner last year.
In any case, for all we know Gilbert may have been practising at DT most of the time. A handful of snaps at DE (when he played at all) doesn’t show that much of the Bears’ hand… not to mention their apparent indecision when it comes to players’ positions.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Bottom line is Gilbert is probably irrelevant to the Bears' success or failure.
The guys who matter are Peppers, Izzy, MA, Tommie, Adams & Harrison. Gilbert is not worth arguing about. (nor is my grammar, which is poor)
That’s something that’s bothering me: Gilbert and Melton are seemingly going to be seeing significant time on the bench for a second consecutive year… meanwhile the future of our offensive line comes down to a bunch of afterthoughts (7th round draft picks and undrafted free agents).
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
If you mean LG, then yeah, but the other 4 spots are solid in my opinion.
They’re not all-pros, but Kreutz & Garza graded out very well last year. I expect Kreutz to be improved after getting his achilles/bone spurs fixed.
Chris Williams is real good at LT.
Omiyale (or Shaffer if Frank stumbles again) at RT isn’t great, but it’s not bad either. FO showed some talent while at Carolina. Moving him to LG was a mistake. I think he’ll be fine at RT.
LG is a big mystery.
As for the future beyond 2010? The whole team/front office could get blown up if we don’t make the playoffs this year.
Gilbert?
I think he’s Virginias new pool boy, move over Tommie, Jarron is diving in.
What were they thinking?
by touchdown bears on Jun 10, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Harris would like you to try some of this:

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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 9, 2010 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
That's up there with work a certain Smudgers used to do
There is nothing worse than hitting submit on an a great post, only to realize you spelled a word wrong
by BearNecessities on Jun 9, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Awesome pic David!
That “Tommie’s Weak Sauce” picture is the funniest thing I’ve seen on here for a while.
Though, it should say “If you don’t like it, I’ll punch you in the helmet – cause’ I’m an idiot”.
What a waste of a roster spot!
by MakeHalasProud on Jun 9, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Waste of a roster spot..
Riiiiight..
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jun 9, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Harris had a real strong finish to 2009
maybe he’s over some of the nagging injuries… I’m optimistic
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 9, 2010 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
So am I.
That’s why I said what I said.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Jun 9, 2010 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
If Harris can come through
We’re gonna have a shot at having a much improved defense this year. I never really feel like the Bears/Harris are giving us the full story on how his knees are doing & why he isn’t always able to practice, though…
For the Bears to be a dominating defense again
you have to be optimistic about THarris. Unless he returns to form, this defense will not be much to write about.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jun 10, 2010 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Engreenation is yours!...
I’ve been saying for a long time that Tommie is not getting the job done. I honestly don’t care why, but he has to play well for this defense to work. IMO, Izzy is just better used as a DE in running situations and DT only as a pass rusher in the 3-tech spot. He should start at DE opposite Peppers and move to spell Harris only in passing situations. I have an awful feeling about Gilbert and a worse feeling about Melton and I need to see Wootten to pas judgment on him. Harrison, I had high hopes for, but I’m not sold on him either. I contend that the pass rush problems are more the fault of the DTs underachieving than the DEs.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
I think Izzy will/should pass rush as a DT, but not to replace the 3-tech.
He should replace the NT on obvious passing downs. Tommie & Izzy would be side-by-side rushing the passer. 3rd & long would give you Peppers, Izzy, Tommie, and MA all going after the QB. That’s what I want to see. Obviously the Bears rotate their DT’s alot, so Harrison, Adams would get some reps/series rushing on 3rd downs as well.
I have an awful feeling about Gilbert and a worse feeling about Melton
I agree with that.
Our 1st 3 draft picks last season could all end up on the scrap heap come Sept (Gilbert/Melton/DJ Moore).
You forgot about Iglesias
But, to be fair, so has everyone else (including the team which drafted him).
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Yep, he could be out too. That's our 1st 4 picks who could conceivably be cut,
if they don’t step up.
pathtic drafting
4 strikes & you’re out! Angelo sucks at drafting.
Even with ownership opening-up the checkbook in recent years, Angelo’s piss-poor drafting keeps us from returning to glory.
What’s even worse than Angelo’s ability (or lack thereof) of evaluating talent to draft, is repeatably drafting positions that we already have depth at. On the bright side, at least he didn’t draft any more LBs this year.
by MakeHalasProud on Jun 9, 2010 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
So when did the...
train leave the Mule Station? First Dane lost Geaux, and smudgers is now Taylor, and I see Skilz is now Hayes and wasn’t Wilty some other moniker for a while. I cannot keep up with these changes. Next thing you know the Blackhawks will be Stanley Cup champs or something insane like that!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
They could put their old monikers in parentheses behind where their names are at the bottom of the page. It’s hard to keep track!
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Wow, am I really
the only one with my nickname? I thought about changing it, but I’m known as HoneyBear, it would be weird to be without it! Lol
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
You are...
you need to get on top of that. Or legally change your real name. ;)
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
I will forever be Just Dave.
Just sayin’ Taylor!
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I will forever call you Just Dave...
Not Dave, not Just… but Just Dave.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 9, 2010 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions
When you become anything other than Spongie
I will begin exalting our wide receiving “core” and wondering if we would “of” won that last game. Party on Wayne!
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
Party on, Garth Just Dave!
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Yeah, I was thinking maybe a legend at the side of the pages
with everyone’s old names and new/real names. It’s getting to be a pain in the ass trying to keep track of everyone. I don’t know who I know anymore.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
it's all about
the professionalism my friend!
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 10, 2010 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep,
Our articles get picked up by Yahoo, Bing, Google, SI.com, etc.
Dane & Adam would prefer that the author’s names be Mike Mueller, David Taylor, Lester, etc. instead of smudgers, muletrain, skilz, etc.
by Mike Mueller on Jun 10, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Sounds about right...
but it does have that creepy professional/respectable tinge to it. Luckily for us “unnamed” co-conspirators, we can remain evil! Congrats on the legitimacy thing!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
by LostInSTL on Jun 10, 2010 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
…simply because this may be the first time that I’ve ever been associated with professional and respectable.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 10, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
That's why I dislike the name changes.
Smacks of conformity. Trying to be something you’re not. Not to say you guys aren’t professional because you are all very good writers with a lot of insight. But I trust Geauxbears opinion much more than Dane Nobel because GB relates to me as a fan. Sophistry, I know but….
Sincerely,
Mark Twain
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
For you Just Dave...
(not Dave, not Just, but Just Dave)… I will forever be smudgers. Except in the name block at the bottom of my comments, and on my profile page, and when I wri… Okay, okay, let’s try this again.
• • •
Just Dave -
While my moniker has been altered, my principals have remained untarnished. I will continue to be the same digital person that I’ve always been. I will hold true to the ethos that smudgers has worked so hard to build up. I vow to continue to be sarcastic in writing, cheeky in comment, and jeering in picture. I vow to question those who speak without basis or statistical backing. I will forever rival the masses that say there’d be an NFL without Halas. And I will stand firm in smudgers’ most quintessential belief, that the Green Bay Packers can go to hell.
Sincerely,
Your fellow litterateur,
François-Marie Arouet
PS – be not so quick to judge, Samuel.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 11, 2010 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions
*there’d be (no) NFL without…
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jun 11, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
The no was implied.
Not taking away anything from anyone wanting to have a more professional image. I just like the pseudonyms better. A smudge more fun, a David less Taylorish. Oh, and you had me at “for”…. you had me at “for”.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
Nice post.
While Peppers and Tommie will be garnering most of the OL’s attention, hopefully Izzy and my main man Anthony Adams will be causing plenty of disruption.
As for the secondary, an increased pass rush automatically makes them better.
+1
Izzy > Mark Anderson
Izzy > Tommie “weak sauce” Harris
Izzy > Harrison (who is turning into “weak sauce jr.”)
Also,
Adams > Harris
Adams > Harrison
I’ll take the effort of Izzy and Adams over the so-called talent of Tommie and Harrison anyday. What good is “talent” if you’re too lazy to use it?
by MakeHalasProud on Jun 9, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Tommie Harris returns to form this year
I think him and Peppers form a great tandem and create alot of havoc for opposing offenses
Interesting breakdown And Read.
Which Tommie Harris show up this Year? Even Tommie Himself declared he will be a much more dynamic player with Pepper’s in the mix but he has stated great things in the past and not delivered. Aside from stats my read on this whole thing is this. The Bears have revamped the majority of their Defensive line going into 2010. The Cover 2’s effectiveness is predicated on pressure on the Quarterback. I do belive campared to last season this unit will be vastly improved. And with a vastly improved Defensive line coupled with a healthy LB core we should be a top 5 Defense again. Of course this will depend entirely on players staying healthy. Namely can Urlacher and Tommie Harris get through the entire season without injuries? Time will tell I guess.
Nice Post!
Please earn your keep this year Tommie (DT, detrimental turd) Harris.
Anybody else notice
Peppers has his hands on his hips. Appearing as if he is trying to catch his breath, after a tough drill… And Harris looks like he hadn’t done squat all day.
I’m not saying this is the case. I just found it humorous… and it probably is the case ;-)

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