Mark Anderson is a name that Chicago Bears fans have mixed feelings about. While he had the greatest rookie season a pass rusher has ever had in the modern football era, he’s also viewed as a disappointment. Why? He was never able to come even close to what he accomplished that season again. A true one-year wonder if ever it existed in Bears history.
Still, it was a great year nonetheless. What made it special was where Anderson came from. He was a 5th round pick out of Alabama. Keep in mind this was back when the Crimson Tide was in one of their rare down cycles. Two years before the arrival of Nick Saban. So expectations were understandably curtailed in regards to what he could do.
Anderson didn’t take long to adjust them. In his first five games, the defensive end had 5.5 sacks. People were starting to take notice but he hadn’t yet had a true signature play. That would come on Monday Night in week 6 during one of the greatest Bears games in history.
Mark Anderson made the play that ignited the comeback
When thinking about that epic comeback in Arizona in 2006, the two leading names that get all the credit are Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester. Urlacher for his absurd 25 tackles and forced fumble that led to a touchdown by Charles Tillman. Then Hester for the punt return TD that gave the Bears the lead 24-23 after being down 23-3.
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Not enough people give credit to Anderson, who made the pivotal play of that game. The Cardinals had the ball again up by 20. Matt Leinart had cut them apart most of the game. It was then the offensive line suffered a blocking miscue, leaving the rookie unaccounted for. Anderson, to his credit, didn’t hesitate and went right for Leinart.
He could’ve easily just gone for the sack, but Anderson remembered his coaching and made sure to swipe at the quarterback’s arm as he arrived. The ball was knocked free, allowing safety Mike Brown to return the fumble for a touchdown. After that play, the momentum stayed with Chicago. They won the game and went on to finish 13-3.
