Is Mark Anderson Ready For a Chicago Bears Revival?
Published by Brett Solesky on August 9, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Mark Anderson had 12 sacks as a rookie during the Super Bowl run of 2006.
Since then, he has had two sacks over a total of two seasons. He’s been one of the greatest disappointments on the team, with his hustle and pass rushing ability, and his seemingly one dimensional attack at rushing the passer.
Anderson has two moves: speed to the outside, and a spin move he incorporates into his repertoire that really hasn’t had much success. He’s essentially been a one trick pony that was figured out after his rookie year, and it’s affected his confidence level.
Enter Rod Marinelli, one of the best, if not the best, defensive line coach in the NFL.
Marinelli has lit a fire under Anderson’s butt, if for no other reason than Anderson realizes his career may not be safe. Anderson has responded to Marinelli’s fire and passion and looks like he might be heading towards a solid season.
The Bears would need precisely this from Anderson, as they held the lead in the fourth quarter in 11 of their games in 2008.
Had the defense held onto that lead in the fourth quarter, it would have been 11 wins for the Bears, a division crown, and a home game in the playoffs in January.
This is yet another sign of exactly how close the Bears were to being dominant in 2008. The defense stuffed the run, and performed well enough to put the Bears in position to win in the fourth quarter.
So, with Anderson pretty much being a situational rusher who comes in to bring speed off the edge on passing downs, a return to form would truly benefit the win column.
Anderson has the tools and the talent; he just needs the right motivation and right leadership from the right coach.
Marinelli appears to be just the coach that Anderson ordered. Anderson has good size, very good if not great speed off the edge, and a good motor that keeps running.
So far in camp, he has shown some flashes of returning to form; little plays here and there that say he may be able to be counted on once again. The nice thing, however, is that he may not have to be the only one counted on, with the help the Bears brought in via the draft.
Jarron Gilbert figures to be a force in the pass rush with his burst up field that has caused problems for the offense at times in camp.
A slimmed down and speedier Israel Idonije is another stout player who could benefit the pass rush as well.
All in all, the defensive line is deeper.
