Bears defense ready to roll with Brown and Vasher back healthy in ‘08

The return of Mike Brown and Nathan Vasher has the Bears defense poised for a strong season.

How will their return impact the Bears defense in 2008-2009?

The real key here is the health of these two. If they can remain healthy, they will possess one of the best secondaries in the NFL this season. In 2005, when Vasher and Brown were both active, they had the NFL’s top ranked defense. When it comes to making plays on defense, I can’t name two veteran DBs more capable of scoring on the defensive side of the ball. As defensive backs neither really has a weakness other than perhaps being injury prone. On the field, these two cause havok to QBs and WRs alike. Two veteran players that still have something to prove and have a great chance at success this season.

The Bears also have a strong defensive line led by probowl DT Tommie Harris and consummate playmaker DE Adewale Ogunleye. They combined for 17 sacks last season and could be in line for even more this year with the return of an improved secondary. DBs Danieal Manning, Charles Tillman, and Rickey Manning Jr. are good options as well if the Bears want to have different coverage packages to confuse opposing offenses. In addition to a strong secondary and defensive line, Chicago has one of the better linebacking cores in the league led by all pro LBs Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. Even though the Bears ranked 28th in total defense last season, they are poised for a strong comeback with their forgotten heroes Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown returning to the field.

What is the fantasy outlook for this defense with the return of Brown and Vasher?

One thing to really count on from Chicago will be more turnovers and more opportunities for defensive scores. If your league rewards points for defensive production and special teams then this unit could really be a sleeper for you in the later rounds. I have this defense ranked high considering their lackluster outing in 2007. In 2008, expect more interceptions, more fumble recoveries, and more sacks as well as less yards per game for opposing offenses. When it comes to fantasy football, previous years stats really only go so far. If Vasher and Brown can stay healthy and active then this unit will look more like its 2005 form. Not to mention the fact that they have the most prolific return man in cleats, Devin Hester. The Bears DST will be a treat for savvy fantasy owners who grab this unit in the later rounds. 

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