| 24 August 2010
There's been a lot of talk through training camp about defensive tackle Matt Toeaina and how he's come a long and is pushing Anthony Adams for the starting job at the nose tackle spot. At first you don't want to believe fluff like that given that Toeaina hasn't shown much since his arrival in Chicago. He's been a fine rotational guy who has made plays that have stood out, but he's never been a consistent performer.
That appears to have changed through the first two pre-season games as it's become evident that a light bulb has come on for Toeaina. He's a tough player that works hard has improved his technique and plays better with leverage and natural strength. He doesn't get pushed around and he fights hard in the trenches, even working through double teams to make plays.
Three tackles in the San Diego game for Toeaina and while he didn't record a tackle in the Raiders game he was overall very disruptive. His play allowed other players around him to make the plays, overall he was very active. If he can play with this level of consistency over the course of the 16-game season the defense will be that much better off.
Coming back from a sophomore slump has been Marcus Harrison who has lost the weight and showed up over the first two games with his play. Harrison's game is different from Toeaina or Adams, he has a lot of natural athleticism for a DT. He's fast in pursuit just nimble and can use this nimbleness to be every bit as disruptive. He's also very versatile in that he can play either the nose or the three technique behind Harris.
Harrison's biggest issue to this point has been his heat exhaustion problems and not being able to finish practice. Obviously it's a disappointment but what level of concern that surrounds this is debatable. So long as Harrison is productive in games and plays hard when it counts and improves is what will be most valuable to the Bears.
Overall these two defensive tackles have shown the ability to get penetration get into the backfield and be disruptive. With Lovie Smith's desire to use four to five active DTs and rotate them throughout the game a consistent level of play from the backups will only help the Bears' defense to be more consistent throughout all 60 minutes of action.
Depth at the DT position is of utmost importance to the success of any defense and right now the way this group of four is playing together is a strong side that the 2010 Bears defense will be better than last year.
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