Please don’t ask defensive end Mark Anderson if he remembers 2006, a glorious year for him. Way back then, he had 12 sacks. He has had six in 30 games since.
“I am not even thinking about that year,” Anderson scoffed Tuesday.
Another no-no with Anderson? Refrain from putting the 2009 season in the context of a “contract year,” for the fourth-year pass rusher who once was at the front of the line for an extension but now finds himself in prove-it mode.
“I’m not looking at it like that, a contract year, and ain’t even thinking about that,” Anderson said, sighing. “If I do what I’m supposed to do, it will take care of itself.”
That process has begun well during the first two weeks in training camp, with Anderson standing out as much as any pass rusher on the Bears. The urgency confronting Anderson’s NFL career this season has been obvious nearly every time he has fired out of his three-point stance off the edge. The burst is back, it seems.
Coaches have noticed too. In the first unofficial training camp depth chart released late Tuesday night at Olivet Nazarene, Anderson was listed as the co-starter at defensive end along with regulars Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye.
Nobody wanted to overstate the significance of the designation, which probably makes sense given that it wouldn’t be the first time Anderson has been in the running for Mr. August.
“We have a starting rotation,” coach Lovie Smith said of his depth chart.
Anderson didn’t even realize he had been listed alongside Brown or Ogunleye on Wednesday morning when asked about it.
“I don’t really look at who’s the starter,” Anderson said. “I just want to be part of that rotation.”
Truth is, the Bears could use another solid member of that rotation now that Israel Idonije will spend most of his time inside at defensive tackle to guard against Tommie Harris’ health issues. Rookie Jarron Gilbert, who took some snaps at left defensive end, also primarily will begin as an interior player.
“I always have high expectations,” Anderson said.
The addition of Rod Marinelli as defensive line coach makes Anderson feel more confident than ever he can meet them. As Ogunleye and Brown also have pointed out, Anderson mentioned how Marinelli’s emphasis on reacting to the offense will make him a better, smarter pass rusher. It is as if the defensive ends never read keys in the backfield or along the line before Marinelli arrived.
“Now we see the way the protection is, or the way the backfield is set up or the center and know what pass-rush moves to execute and run,” Anderson said. “Just little techniques. But now we know why.”
Nobody ever may know why Anderson went from rookie phenom to disappointment over the last two seasons, but he now has a career to save, and to have him and Ogunleye chasing quarterbacks in the final years of their respective contracts cannot be a bad thing for the defense.
Even though Anderson never would admit to using that as motivation.
“The only difference this year is I’m hungrier,” he said. “I have to have some impact in some kind of way. So getting off the ball I feel a little faster and I’m executing better than before.”
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Other Bears making good first impressions
Anderson’s dominance has been noticeable, but here are five others who have had solid camps amid less fanfare.
Jason McKie
Fullback
1. Beginning his eighth season, he committed to strength and conditioning in the off-season and returned in the best shape of his career. As much as the Bears may use Greg Olsen and even Michael Gaines in the fullback spot, they still need McKie to lead Matt Forte through a hole to get the tough yard.
Lance Louis
Left tackle
2. A college tight end, Louis has shown good footwork and athleticism to earn the No. 2 left tackle spot behind Orlando Pace on the depth chart — even though if Pace were injured, veterans Kevin Shaffer, Frank Omiyale and even Chris Williams would be tried first. Seventh-round pick looks ticketed for the practice squad.
Nick Roach
Outside linebacker
3. The forgotten starter, Roach has put himself in position to compete for his job as more-proven veterans like Pisa Tinoisamoa try to wrest it away. Roach looks quicker and more fluid. Roach’s versatility on special teams and strong performance so far makes his roster spot seem more secure than when camp began.
Anthony Adams
Nose tackle
4. There Adams’ name is again at the starting nose tackle position. Technically, Marcus Harrison and Dusty Dvoracek are listed as co-starters but, based on history, Adams has proved to be the most dependable of the three. Given questions about Tommie Harris’ knee, the Bears might have to keep all three.
Josh Bullocks
Safety
5. It has been easy to overlook Bullocks with all the attention paid to the position, but he’s the Bears’ most experienced safety with 49 starts. He can play both positions and hasn’t played his way out of contention. He has made some instinctive plays on the ball.
— David Haugh
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dhaugh@tribune.com
