ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert

This summer, we had a number of Chicago players exalt the work done by new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. Mark Anderson appreciated the way Marinelli always explained the “why” behind his theories. Alex Brown noted the credibility Marinelli carried through the door, dating back to his years in Tampa Bay. Israel Idonije couldn’t believe how accurately Marinelli could predict the cause and effect of defensive line play.

Yes, expectations were high for a coach the Bears are relying on to restore the dominance of their front four, a development that would allow them to play a more traditional version Tampa-2 defense. So what do we know as the ex-Detroit coach prepares for his former team to play at Soldier Field this weekend?

Marinelli hasn’t been able to coax elevated play out of defensive tackle Tommie Harris, his star pupil. But otherwise, the Bears’ defensive line has increased its production over the same time period last season.

Let’s take a closer look at the production of every lineman who has had at least one sack this year or last year:

1. Alex Brown
2009 sacks: 2
2008 sacks through three games: 2
2008 total: 5

2. Adewale Ogunleye
2009 sacks: 2
2008 sacks through three games: 0
2008 total: 5

3. Mark Anderson
2009 sacks: 1
2008 sacks through three games: 0
2008 total: 1

4. Anthony Adams
2009 sacks: 1
2008 sacks through three games: 0
2008 total: 0

5. Tommie Harris
2009 sacks: 0
2008 sacks through three games: 0
2008 total: 5

6. Israel Idonije
2009 sacks: 0
2008 sacks through three games: 1
2008 total: 3.5

7. Marcus Harrison
2009 sacks: 0
2008 sacks through three games: 1
2008 total: 2

Overall
2009 sacks: 6
2008 through three games: 4
2008 totals: 22.5