Israel Idonije's Big Night

The Bears on Saturday had an offensive explosion at the beginning of the game that could easily have overshadowed the defense.

But with the way Israel Idonije played, there's no way to look past what the defense did. The first team held the Redskins scoreless, disrupting Robert Griffin III and keeping the Redskins off the board until the second team began to transition in.

Idonije, who has been asked to move inside the line to make room for first-round draft pick Shea McClellin on certain packages, showed his versatility by still getting at Griffin three times. He sacked him on the first series, sacked him in the next one and forced a fumble that set the offense up for a quick touchdown. Before leaving the game, Idonije teamed up with Matt Toeina to sack Griffin one more time.

After the game, Idonije deferred his outstanding night to his coaches.

"It was the play Coach called," Idonije said. "It put me in a great position against the tight end. I came around the edge and Major [Wright] just missed a sack. Fortunately, the quarterback was scrambling and I came around and was able to cause a fumble, and Julius was able to secure the ball. It was just a great play."

But it's not just Idonije's talent that helped him play well in the Bears' second pre-season game. It was his attitude. The Bears drafted someone for his position and asked him to change his position. He used that as an opportunity to show he can still get at the quarterback.