Notebook: Rivera using blitz to make Bears D scary again
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Buddy Ryan and Jim Johnson are two of the more blitz-happy defensive coordinators of the past 20 years.
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| Ron Rivera and the Bears have a bigger challenge this week -- Peyton Manning and the Colts.(Getty Images) |
"You have to bring the pressure to find ways to slow these teams down," Rivera said. "We believe in speed and getting after the quarterback."
In his first year as an NFL coordinator, Rivera's defense is the main reason Chicago is a surprise team sitting at 4-5, one game out of first place in the NFC North. Chicago has won three in a row behind its defense that won last Sunday's game against Tennessee by forcing a safety in overtime.
But just when they can start feeling good about what they're doing, the NFL, as usual, finds a way to humble you.
Here come the Indianapolis Colts.
"Oh boy," Rivera said. "Man, are they good."
The Colts lead the league in scoring offense at 33.1 points per game, with Peyton Manning throwing 31 touchdown passes. The Bears defense is ranked ninth in scoring defense at 17.7 per game and is carrying the team.
The offense, which lost quarterback Rex Grossman for the year in the second week, has been terrible. Rookie Craig Krenzel is 3-0, but he has completed 18 passes the past two weeks -- combined.
Last week against the Titans, the defense not only got the safety but scored another touchdown. The Bears also got a punt return for a score. The defense forced four turnovers, giving it nine in the last two weeks.
The Bears also have had 11 sacks the past two games, giving them 24 after getting just 18 all in 2003 under the previous coaching staff.
