Bear Facts: DE Julius Peppers - My50 Chicago - Television - WPWR

JULIUS PEPPERS #90 Defensive End

DOB:  1/18/80

6'7", 287

11th / North Carolina

Bio - Peppers enters his third season with the Bears as a seven-time Pro Bowlers and ranks third in the NFL in sacks (100), fourth in forced fumbles (36), and first of all defensive linemen in interceptions (8) over his career. In addition to 48 PBUs and 9 fumble recoveries, Peppers has also amassed double-digit sacks in seven of his ten seasons with 21 career multi-sack games and eight 3-sack games. He has started 152 of 154 games played and leads the Panthers all-time in sacks, forced fumbles, and blocked kicks. In his ten playoff starts, Peppers racked up 32 tackles (24 solo), 2 sacks, 1 interception, 3 PBUs, and 1 forced fumble. His 2011 achievements include 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles (second on the team), 27 tackles, and 5 tackles for loss. He posted a career-high 85 tackles during his 2004 season with Carolina.

Lou's Call – In my "humble" opinion, this is the one player the Bears can NOT afford to lose this season. Every other position has a capable backup but the Bears do NOT have another DE like Peppers to rush the QB. In 2011, he played fewer snaps than he did in 2010 but had more sacks (11) giving him 100 for his career. Peppers wasn't a Pro Bowler in 2011 but he did so much that many don't notice such as his 55 QB pressures, 3 forced fumbles and 2 recoveries. If Peppers has a great season, the Bears defense will have a great season.

Tom's Take –Peppers is still a dominant defensive end. He is a freakish athlete who will play the run with the same passion as he rushes the quarterback. He once again be good for double digit sacks and several forced fumbles. The fact that he commands double and triple teams should create opportunities for others on the Dline.

Dionne's View – Has the ability to be the most dominant defender on the field. Get him some in game rest and he will be one of the most feared and dominant in the League. His value is off the charts for the defense but again, with help.