Chicago Bears' Defensive Coordinator Not Happy with the D & More NFC North News

Enjoying the tremendous work by the Bears' defense this year?

Well, the Sun-Times' Mark Potash says defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli isn't.

Marinelli feels that once you think you're good, you stop pushing. And once that happens, you stop being good.

Crazy as it might sound on some level, he's exactly right. Of course, I think this is why the Bears have been successful defensively for some time because players like Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers and Lance Briggs are never satisfied with 'very good'. They aren't satisfied with 'great'.

They can always do 'better'.

That's the key to greatness at any position, really, and to hear a coach talk about it is a great sign that this Bears' defense is only getting started.

The secondary has been excellent, generating turnovers and shutting down a lot of fine receivers. The defensive front seven is generating pressure, and often a lot of sacks.

It's hard to imagine them improving, but they can. They aren't even ranked first in any defensive category, so there is some room for improvement.

On the other hand, even ranked No. 1, you get the feeling they'll be shooting to fly higher.

Which is exactly what Bears fans want to hear from their team.

Here's the rest of the notes on the Bears and the NFC North.

Chicago Bears

The Tribune's Vaughn McClure says Chris Conte and Major Wright have helped solidify the safety position.

Alexander Crowe of Bleacher Report gives you the good, the bad and the ugly for the Bears after four weeks.

ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson says punter Adam Podlesh is excited to face his old team in Jacksonville.

Detroit Lions

Mlive.com's Anwar Richardson says the Lions are one of just two teams without an interception so far this year. YIPES!

Carlos Monarrez of the Free Press says the loss to the Vikings isn't sitting well with the Lions during the bye week.

Bleacher Report's Chris Roling says that Jim Schwartz deserves the blame for the Lions' bad start.

Green Bay Packers

Zach Kruse at CheeseheadTV.com says we need to be patient with rookie linebacker Nick Perry.

The Journal-Sentinel's Tyler Dunne says the Packers' special teams have really improved this season. On a side note, Dunne is moving on to USA Today's NFL team, and we at the NFC North blog wish him the best of luck. I love his stuff and can't wait to see what he gets up to with his new gig.

Pete Dougherty of the Press-Gazette says the Packers are working hard to avoid communication breakdowns.

Minnesota Vikings

Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN says that tight end Kyle Rudolph is working to adjust to a full-time role in the offense.

Erin Henderson might return against the Titans according to the Pioneer Press' Bruce Brothers.

Bleacher Report's Mike Nelson gives you grades on all the rookie Vikings from the first four weeks.

Check out the B/R NFC North Facebook page—like us and keep up with everything NFC North on Bleacher Report.com.

Follow me on Twitter at @andrew_garda.