August 2, 2007

Is Bears' three-man rotation an 'end' all?

2007 8-17: Wolfe in Bears 8-17: Tightends 8-16: 'Peanut' 8-16: Linebackers 8-15: D-Day 8-15: Madden '08 gets 8-15: Mannelly known 8-15: Cornerbacks 8-14: A step ahead 8-14: Offensive guards, 8-13: Benson has clear More

Alex Brown may be odd man out at defensive end

By Rob Laird

rlaird@daily-journal.com
815-937-3390

The defensive end situation involving Alex Brown, Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson may seem to be a good problem for the fans and even the coaching staff, but Brown isn't exactly enjoying it.

According to the Associated Press, Alex Brown stated that he was hurt he had lost the label of starter in the offseason despite having arguably the best season of his career last year.

"Not a lot of things are written in stone, but I believe a lot of people have written in stone the right end position," Brown said. "I don't feel like a third defensive end on any team. I guess on this team I am. I don't know."

Head coach Lovie Smith, however, suggested the label of starter isn't as important as the amount of playing time one gets, hinting that the three ends may split time somewhat equally.

"We say we have three starting defensive ends," Smith said, adding that once the team plays Houston, more will be known. "They all played with the first team. Those are the reps all three guys are getting."

Smith, obviously excited at having three All-Pro caliber players to fill two starting spots, isn't tipping his hat as to which players are winning the competition thus far.

"The two that play the best when they get their opportunities will play," he said.

Mark Anderson, who set a Bears' rookie record with 12.0 sacks last year, said the competition between the three is more of a friendly variety.

"The competition, shoot, it's all fun and games," he said. "Everyday, we come out here and see who's best in each category that we do. We all feed off each other and we all work hard."

He added the coaches have not verbalized yet what each players' roles will be or exactly how they will rotate them in the preseason opener on Aug. 11 at Houston.

"It's still up in the air," Anderson said. "We don't know what the coaches have planned. Whether I'm the starter or I'm not the starter, we're going to have a great season because we have a three-man rotation, I think one of the best three-man rotations in the league. I don't think anyone can stop us."

The general belief is that Ogunleye is the strongest end against the run, although Brown has improved his run-stopping prowess considerably in recent seasons. More than likely, the speedy Anderson will be on the field for all situations that call for a pass but there have been concerns by some about Anderson's ability to stop the run.

Exactly what all that means for the three-man rotation has yet to be seen. Brown has been taking some reps on the left side of the line, something he has rarely done in his NFL career. Brown has started 64 straight games, all at right end.

He and Ogunleye had developed a friendly running argument over the last few years about who has the tougher job; if Brown keeps getting reps at the left side, he can make that decision for himself.

Brown said it may take him a little while to learn all the intricacies of the position, however.

"'Wale' has been doing it for a long time," he said. "For me to say I could come over in a week and master it, that's crazy."