NFL notes: Bears’ Idonije happy to return home

The Canadian wearing the Bears uniform did his country proud Sunday.

Defensive end Israel Idonije, who grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, made sure it was happy homecoming.

“It was a great experience,” Idonije said, “coming back to Canadian soil to play.”

Idonije earned a half sack to push his team-leading total to five – just three less than his previous six seasons combined. But more importantly, the 270-pounder blocked Rian Lindell’s extra-point attempt in the third quarter.

Quietly, Idonije has established himself as one of the team’s top defensive players while playing in Julius Peppers’ shadow. Naturally, the double-teams …

The Canadian wearing the Bears uniform did his country proud Sunday.

Defensive end Israel Idonije, who grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, made sure it was happy homecoming.

“It was a great experience,” Idonije said, “coming back to Canadian soil to play.”

Idonije earned a half sack to push his team-leading total to five – just three less than his previous six seasons combined. But more importantly, the 270-pounder blocked Rian Lindell’s extra-point attempt in the third quarter.

Quietly, Idonije has established himself as one of the team’s top defensive players while playing in Julius Peppers’ shadow. Naturally, the double-teams drawn by Peppers free up Idonije for one-on-one battles on the other edge. Idonije has won his share of those battles.

Idonije talked last week about the focus being about the team getting back on track and about his return to Canada. But he couldn’t help but smile when the Canadian anthem blared before kickoff.

Like voters flocking to the polls, Minnesota Vikings fans loudly called for a change in leadership to save a fast-sinking season that started with Super Bowl aspirations.

Boos came from the crowd, who held “Fire Chilly” signs, as coach Brad Childress emerged from the tunnel leading to the field, and the “Fire Childress!” chants were audible several times throughout the afternoon.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie suffered a concussion on a second-quarter hit to his head. He had movement and was alert in the locker room, the team said. … Matthew Stafford, the Detroit quarterback, hurt his right shoulder again after being tackled while trying to scramble.