" Julius Peppers won't be lacking for self-esteem anytime soon: Wednesday his coach called him "the most talented player in the NFL.''

Assuming that's true, how best does a coach exploit the many gifts the former Carolina Panthers defensive end offers? It's been over a year since Peppers signed with the Chicago Bears, and coach Lovie Smith is still amazed by what he sees.

He has figured this much out: The danger in coaching the guy is becoming so infatuated with his versatility that you forget why you awarded him that massive contract.

"You have to keep in mind what's the best thing (he does) and that's rush the passer. It's a good thing for the opponent if we don't have him rushing,'' said Smith, leading up to Sunday's Panthers-Bears game at Soldier Field. "Nobody does it better than him.''"