The Chicago Bears in 2006 were led to the Superbowl by their defense, which has since not been as good due to injuries and the lack of a pass rush. That leaves many Bears fans wondering if they can return to form.
The main problem with the defense is that they do not have a premier pass rusher, which was suppose to be filled by Adewale Ogunleye who the Bears acquired in a trade.
Since, Ogunleye has been dissapointing as the most sacks he had in a season as a Bear was 10 in 2005.
The other is the declining play of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher as his tackles dropped steadily to 93 last year from 142 in 2006.
Fortunately, the defense got help in two different ways.
First, the defense got a direct boost by the signing of linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa who had a solid year in 2008 with 98 tackles and three sacks.
Also, Tinoisamoa has played for Bears head coach Lovie Smith when he was the Saint Louis Rams defensive coordinator, so that means Tinoisamoa fits the defense and knows it.
Secondly, the defense got an indirect boost by the Bears getting quarterback Jay Cutler, which means the defense will not have to be out as long on the field as the offense should be on the field longer.
In the end if the Bears are going to get back to the Superbowl it will be due to the resurgence of the defense.
