Did Former Chicago Bear Izzy Idonije Tip Off Defensive Signals to the Lions?
Aug 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Israel Idonije (77) during a stoppage in play during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
You hate to cry foul and be a sore loser, but following the Bears’ 40-32 loss to the Detroit Lions where the Bears defense was especially bad, no stone should be left unturned to figure out what went wrong. Here’s an interesting tweet from ESPN’s Bears beat writer, Michael Wright.
A few Chi players think former DL Izzy Idonije tipped off Lions to their stunts. Said Bush burned them every time they did "power" stunt.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) September 29, 2013
The Bears made a big deal to say that they were keeping Lovie Smith’s defense in tact heading into 2013, but you’d think that they would at least change some of their calls when heading into a game against a former teammate? Maybe they thought since J’Marcus Webb couldn’t help the Vikings, they didn’t have to worry about Izzy? The thing is, Izzy didn’t sleep through all of the meetings like I presume JWebb Nation did.
If this claim is true, it is an inexcusable lapse on the part of the coaching staff and may have very well cost the Bears the game. Besides those four Jay Cutler turnovers that is.
What do you think? Did Izzy exact revenge on his former team, who let him walk after several very productive seasons together, by giving up the Bears calls? Do you think it even mattered?