The Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: The Defensive Tackles

The big issue on defense with the Bears last year was their lack of a pass rush.  They could stop the run, for the most part but they just couldn’t get any pressure on the quarterback.  This, in turn, hurt the secondary which was already in trouble thanks to injuries at almost every position.  The Bears come into the 2009 season with a new defensive line coach (Rod Marinelli) and he should be able to get a lot out of this group of guys.  Drafting Jarron Gilbert was also a smart idea and he will help provide speed and athleticism to the defensive line.  It could be a solid year for the interior defensive line in Chicago.

The following is a look at all of the players that the Bears will take into training camp at the defensive tackle position.  There is a look at how the player did in 2008, how their offseason has gone thus far and where they should stand at the end of training camp this summer.

Tommie Harris-Harris’ health has been at issue with the team for several seasons now and after sitting out almost all the OTA’s this summer, some question whether or not Harris is healthy enough to play (heading into training camp) or even make it through the entire 2009 season.  The Bears claim that they were resting Harris for training camp, which may indeed be true, but he has to start working with the team in order to build chemistry with the rest of the defensive line.  Harris had a somewhat tumultuous 2008 season, serving a one game suspension for violating team rules and then suffering through injuries for most of last season but he says that he’s ready to go and he needs to be because he is a vital part of the Bears defense.  If he can remain healthy and get up to the level that he played at just a couple of seasons ago the Bears defensive line could be a success and they need a lot of help on the line to generate enough of a pass rush to make up for a weak secondary.

Anthony Adams-Adams was used sparingly in 2008 for some reason only known to the coaching staff.  While he did eventually get into the line up and play pretty well, it would appear that the Bears don’t have a lot of confidence in his ability to rush the passer but Adams is a good run defender and should be used on running downs.  He has had a solid offseason and should be utilized much more during the 2009 season.  Look for Adams to make the final roster and contribute a lot on running downs.

Jarron Gilbert-One of the Bears best acquisitions in the draft, Gilbert is exactly what the Bears look for in a defensive tackle and that’s an athletic rusher who can get up the field after the quarterback.  Gilbert has looked outstanding in offseason workouts and the Bears have high hopes for him and plan to rotate him in on passing downs to start and then see how it goes from there.  His athleticism will help him out a lot but he will have some troubles going up against well seasoned NFL interior offensive linemen to start.  Still, he will eventually adapt and should become one of the better defenders on the team.

Dusty Dvoracek-Dvoracek has had a rough go of it in Chicago and after ending his first two seasons on injured reserve, he landed there once again in 2009.  He appears to be fully recovered and ready for training camp but he is sure to have to battle to stay on the roster this year as his career has been somewhat of a disappointment and there is so much talent ahead of him.  His offseason has been quiet and this will be his toughest training camp yet.  Unless one of the starters ahead of him gets hurt or one of the other backups has a very poor training camp, Dvoracek might find himself off the team at the end of training camp this season.

Marcus Harrison-Harrison showed flashes of good ability in 2008 especially at the start of the season and should easily figure into the Bear’s plans in 2009.  He could end up starting alongside Harris if he can beat out Gilbert which is possible but what is more likely is that Gilbert and Harrison will end up rotating at tackle.  Another possible scenario is that Gilbert and Harrison could play next to each other rotating in for starters but Harrison could easily make a strong case to be a starter on the line this season.  Look for him to have a solid training camp and be featured even more on defense in 2009.

Matt Toeaina-Toeaina was with the Bears last season and while he managed some time on the field, he didn’t do too much to warrant much reflection on his 2008 season.  Toeaina will figure into the Bears plans as a backup tackle in their scheme and he should be able to make the roster provided he has a good training camp.  Look for him to make the final roster or at least remain on the practice squad for another season before finally having to make the roster in 2010.

With Marinelli coming to Chicago, the Bears should get a lot more out of their defensive tackles this year but a lot will depend on how healthy Harris is and how much Gilbert can contribute in his first season with the Bears.  Dvoracek’s future is somewhat in doubt and he will not only have to have a great training camp in order to stick with the team beyond the final cuts.  Adams should be used more and should see more action on the field this coming season.