logo

Matt Toeaina Holds The Line For Improved Chicago Bears’ Defense

November 3, 2010   ·     ·   Jump to comments

With a healthy Brian Urlacher back in command, the Chicago Bears run defense has rebounded following a disappointing 2009 season.  Other Bears defenders, most notably Julius Peppers and Lance Briggs, have contributed significantly to this turnaround.  However, another, less heralded player has had a central role in the defense’s improvement: Matt Toeaina.
The third-year defensive tackle out of Oregon is enjoying a productive season, as he has unexpectedly supplanted the former Pro Bowler Tommie Harris in the starting lineup. 
With Toeaina anchoring the middle of the line, the Bears defense has stymied opposing rushers.  Through seven games, Chicago's defense has allowed a mere 89.3 rushing yards per game (fifth place in the NFL). Contrast this with the 126.6 rushing yards per game the Bears defense surrendered last season.
This 30 percent decrease in opposing rushing yards has helped reinvigorate the Bears defense, which has been mostl...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com

readers comments