November 11, 2007
Ogunleye highlights defensive effort with three sacks
By Larry Mayer
OAKLAND, Calif. – Delivering a Pro Bowl-caliber performance in a must-win game, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye registered three of the Bears’ four sacks in Sunday’s 17-6 comeback victory over the Oakland Raiders.
“When you need to make a run, you need your best players to step up,” said coach Lovie Smith. “You need guys that are captains leading you, and that’s what Wale did. He stepped up, [made] big plays. He’s capable of playing that way and we’ll need that type of play on this stretch.”
With the three sacks, Ogunleye tied his career high and pulled into a tie with defensive tackle Tommie Harris for the team lead. The seven-year veteran helped clinch Sunday’s win on his third sack when he forced a Josh McCown fumble that Israel Idonije recovered at the Raiders’ 3.
Cedric Benson’s TD run on the next play gave the Bears a 17-6 lead with 1:35 remaining.
“Three sacks, that’s a very nice afternoon,” said defensive coordinator Bob Babich. “He had a great day. I think overall the pass rush was excellent. Those are the types of things we need. Anytime players make big plays like that, that’s very important to our defense and our team.”
Ogunleye has now recorded three sacks in a game four times in his NFL career, including twice with the Bears. The 6-4, 260-pounder last had three sacks in a 13-3 win over the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 20, 2005 at Soldier Field.
Ogunleye isn’t the only Bears defensive end to have a big day against Oakland. Richard Dent set a team record with 4½ sacks versus the Raiders in 1984 and then repeated the feat against the same opponent three years later.
Staying patient: Despite being held in check all game, Devin Hester finally busted loose for a 64-yard punt return late in the third quarter. Unfortunately for the Bears, the play was nullified by a holding penalty on Pro Bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo.
“The key thing is the more you stay patient, better things will come to you,” Hester said. “[Being bottled up] is not the end of the road. There’s always going to be another opportunity ahead.”
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Ogunleye highlights defensive effort with three sacks - Chicago Bears
Ogunleye highlights defensive effort with three sacks
Ogunleye highlights defensive effort with three sacks
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