Rams' defense prepares to 'Bear' down

CHICAGO -- Mike Martz has led the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, so when he calls his current defense the best he's had as head coach, he's saying it's something special.

"They've been playing together. We've got some young guys who've kind of grown up in this defense, and I think the speed is a factor," Martz said.

"Everything is starting to fit and they are kind of growing together, and each week they play together I think they get a little bit better."

Last week against the Ravens, the Rams' defense dominated the game, forcing seven turnovers -- three interceptions and four fumbles -- in a 33-22 victory.

Now St. Louis (6-3) gets to face the NFL's weakest offense when the Rams visit the Chicago Bears today.

The Bears (3-6) are averaging a league-worst 258 yards per game, and many members of the offensive unit are questioning the play-calling of oft-criticized offensive coordinator John Shoop.

Wide receiver David Terrell wants more passes and playing time, and running back Anthony Thomas more carries. Ageless quarterback Chris Chandler, who completed 16 passes for just 149 yards last week in a deflating 12-10 loss at Detroit, wants more balance and needs better protection.

"We have to run the ball better and more than we did in Detroit," Chandler said.

"We can't have penalties and can't have poor play by me or anybody else. We have to be near perfect and keep their offense off the field. They have as athletic a defense as you can find in the NFL. Darn good."

On a turnover rampage

In the last six games, the Rams have forced 24 turnovers: 14 fumbles and 10 interceptions.

Defensive tackle Brian Young tied an NFL record by recovering three fumbles last week and has five for the season. Before hurting his wrist on the game's final play against the Ravens, Young also had 11 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

The defense's play helped the Rams overcome a shaky outing by quarterback Marc Bulger. Bulger's 13-of-26 performance for 110 yards with two interceptions and four sacks had some fans chanting for Kurt Warner to return to the lineup.

St. Louis needs a stronger game from Bulger today, when the colder temperatures and natural grass will create a totally different atmosphere from the Rams' indoor home field on artificial turf.

The Rams are 5-0 at home this season, 1-3 on the road. The Bears would take a win anywhere. All three of their victories have come at their newly renovated stadium, but against losing teams (Detroit, Oakland and San Diego).