Bears Defense

[gilthorp]

From an IDP standpoint, everything from the Bears point of view should be looking very optimistic. Based on time constraints, I will cover the Defensive Backs in this first report, the Linebackers in the next, and the hogs last.

 

The injury bug hit big last year, and they were playing a few rookies at key positions throughout the year. A year wiser and with some good fortune, they should be solid, and many individuals stand out as key fantasy acquisitions.

 

Going into training camp, the depth chart should look like this:

 

Alex Brown Ian Scott Tommie Harris A. Ogunleye

 

Marcus Reese Brian Urlacher Lance Briggs

 

Charles Tillman Jerry Azumah

 

Mike Green Mike Brown

 

Jerry Azumah is in the final year of his contract, so look for the Bears to try to re-sign him before the season, especially when they probably choked on their coffee when they saw the $10 Million+ contracts being floated around this off season. Azumah, with at least 4 INT's in the last 2 seasons. Although he only played 12 games last year, his INT's remained the same, and his run support was down due to the neck injury he suffered in the pre-season. In 03' he accounted for 71 solo tackles to only 39 last year.

 

Charles Tillman was another guy that got hit with the injury bug in his sophomore season, and when he came back, he was only a shadow of himself his rookie year. The one thing this guys got going for him is speed and confidence, and is probably the only guy in the NFC North that Randy Moss is glad he doesn't have to face--Peanut simply had Moss' number, you can not argue that. After playing in 16 games his rookie year (4 INT's, 76 solo tackles), he only got on the field for 8 games in 04. He had no interceptions, but still had 32 solo tackles, and is very strong off the line of scrimmage--look for a rebound from this kid in 05.

 

5/10 package: Nathan Vasher pretty much assured himself a spot on the field after he proved to be another playmaker on this young defense. If it wasn't for Tillman having a excellent rookie season in 03, Vasher would have been the best defensive rookie to make impact plays in a long time. He led the team with 5 INT's, returning one for a TD, but averaging 35 yards on each return. Not as staunch in his run support as a healthy Azumah or Tillman, but he sticks his nose in there and recorded 28 solo tackles last year. If either of the starters go down, he'll be there to pick up the pieces.

 

Mike Green is simply a player who gets no respect around the NFL, but from a fantasy perspective, he is great to have on your roster. They use him in a variety of ways, often disguising his blitzes from off th end, and he is deceptively good in pass coverage. In 02', he recorded 100 solo tackles in the 16 games he played, only 36 in an injury filled 03', but rebounded in 04' with 82 solos, 1.5 sacks, and 2 INT's. Not gaudy numbers, but very solid.

 

Mike Brown is coming off a tough injury (achilles), but the early reports are sounding positive, and he should be back in the starting lineup as the Free Safety for week 1. Brown is a playmaker, having a nose for the ball, and has scored 5 touchdowns in his career, his last coming before he was injured in the Green Bay game last year. A starter since day one, he averages 70 solos and 3 INT's a year (not taking into account his 04 season).

 

Todd Johnson and Bobby Gray are smaller players with big hearts, and they simply aren't durable enough to play a full 16 game season. They throw their body around like they are much bigger, and eventually are struggling through injuries, but still should be on the Bears opening day roster.

 

Odd Man Out: RW McQuarters is due to make over $3 Million this year, and that's a ton to pay for a back up CB/FS and punt returner. The Bears are trying very hard to deal him before camp opens, and if they can't expect them to approach him to take a cut. The Bears brass knows he won't take the cut, so this will simply be an excercise in eventually cutting him. They have several players who can take over his PR duties, including Nathan Vasher.

[Beaumont]

What about the rumor that Brown & Green switch positions with Brown going to SS?

[Los Gigantes]

What about the rumor that Brown & Green switch positions with Brown going to SS?

812083[/snapback]

 

I've heard the same.

[Rovers]

Nice report, Gil! I also have the same Brown/Green question.... but what is your confidence level that both of these guys hold up to the injury bug? Is Vasher worth a late round or cheap FA pickup? Urlacher is a stud when healthy, any comments on his rebound from an injury filled 2004?

[gilthorp]

What about the rumor that Brown & Green switch positions with Brown going to SS?

812083[/snapback]

 

Beaumont, you hit the nail on the head when you said it was a "rumor". Having Mike Green as the FS has happened in the past few years depending on the scheme, but as an overall decision, it is my opinion that won't happen.

 

I've heard the same.

812088[/snapback]

 

I've heard it from people who "want" it to happen, because they are down on Mike Green...they simply don't give him the respect that's needed. It is true that Coach Smith believes Green to be his biggest liability in the secondary, and no way would he let the less instinctive Green take the FS job away from Brown as long as the two are healthy. If this was the case, why didn't Green play FS last year and move Johnson or Worrell to SS? Lovie has a problem trusting Green to be the last line of defense, and Brown's reaction and quickness to the long ball is much better than Green's IMO.

 

Nice report, Gil! I also have the same Brown/Green question....  but what is your confidence level that both of these guys hold up to the injury bug? Is Vasher worth a late round or cheap FA pickup? Urlacher is a stud when healthy, any comments on his rebound from an injury filled 2004?

812093[/snapback]

 

A torn achilles is a tough injury to come back from, but all reports are saying Brown is ready to roll come camp time. Vasher is a playmaker, who they won't trust with a starting job, but has all but assured himself the nickle spot based on his production. He is smallish, but worth a late round flier in deep leagues IMO.

 

No comment on Urlacher yet--he hurt his hammy in pre-season, and was too stubborn (and as it turned out with other injuries, the team was in need to have him out there) to rest it enough....in other words, they brought him back 2 weeks too soon and he never fully recovered.

 

The Urlacher injury was one of many hammy injuries the Bears faced when Coach Smith stated he wanted everyone in a lot lighter than 03. They know what Smith expects and Urlacher should be fine. He's a very good player.

[gilthorp]

Los/Ed:

 

After a few days of searching, I did find something published in the Sporting News, written by Mike Mulligan. It does appear the Green/Brown switch is all but done...my apologies for not knowing this, as I never had heard or read anything concrete.

 

They are hoping that Mike Brown will not have as much stress put on his achilles by having to defend deep, and since he is one of their top playmakers, they want to get him closer to the action.

 

So, Brown as the #1 SS, Green as the #1 FS.

 

In other news, they've had Anthony Simmons in for a physical and they'd very much like to sign him, but this won't get done until they give RW his walking papers. Word is that the asking price in a trade for RW is so low (a 7th rounder) that most teams realize he will be a June cut, and they can have him on the cheap. Simmons left Chicago, and his first preference will most likely be the Saints, which leaves the Bears trying to determine if Boulware fits into their scheme.

[gilthorp]

http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Sub...;00/drill1.html

 

You will see that oftentimes, the FS and SS both have similar responsibilities when they are in their base cover 2.

[gilthorp]

And this from the Daily Southtown. We'll see if it sticks.

 

Bears Notebook

 

Green, Brown trading places

 

Monday, May 2, 2005

 

 

 

 

By Gene Chamberlain

Staff writer

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bears are willing to disrupt a secondary that last season played a primary role in the team leading the league in defending against third-down conversions.

The Bears are moving strong safety Mike Green to free safety and free safety Mike Brown to strong safety.

 

"We're going in with all the intention to have (Brown) as our strong safety and Mike Green as our free safety," defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said Sunday after the Bears finished a three-day camp for rookies at Halas Hall.

 

The reasoning for the change is to emphasize what each player does best.

 

After reviewing 2004 game tapes, coaches noted Green making big plays when forced to play back in single-deep coverage when the free safety blitzed or had run support responsibility.

 

"We also saw that Mike Brown is an aggressive football player who is a tremendous blitzer," Rivera said. "Based on stuff we saw from last year (on film) from the '03 defense and some of the stuff we saw early before he got hurt, we thought that he's a box safety."

 

Brown suffered a torn Achilles tendon in last season's second game against the Green Bay Packers.

 

In that game, Brown made one of the Bears' top plays of last season. Brown was attacking at the line of scrimmage on a running play like a strong safety when Brian Urlacher knocked the ball away from the Packers' Ahman Green. Brown was in position to pick up the fumble and returned it for a 95-yard touchdown.

 

Rivera said Brown's recovery from the torn Achilles had no role in moving him from deep-coverage responsibility.

 

"Absolutely not," Rivera said. "The biggest thing is how stout he is."

 

Rivera said the 5-foot-10, 212-pound Brown has the type of body that is more conducive to stopping the run and blitzing. Green is 6-foot, 195 pounds.

 

"He's 200 pounds," Rivera said of Brown. "He might not be tall. There's been a lot of good ones (at strong safety) that have been short, but they're stout. They're physical football players and that's what he is."

 

Whether Green can handle free safety chores and added deep-coverage responsibility remains to be seen. Green has 42 career starts but just three interceptions.

 

The Bears considered moving Green to free safety last season after Brown got hurt, but they opted to leave him at strong safety and used Todd Johnson and then R.W. McQuarters at free safety.

 

The Bears will get their first look at Green at free safety when they conduct a full-squad minicamp on May 20-22. Brown's participation is doubtful as he continues to rehab the Achilles injury.

[Sundy76]

Gil, you think that Green is worth tagging as a keeper? Im in a Dynasty League (start 2DE/DT, 2LB, 2DB and one flex) and I have Gamble and Green. Gamble is still under his rookie contract so I keep him no matter what (I am responsible for his contract wether he is on my team or not). Green would be a viable option to keep (his salary will be something like 400K to tag). Do you think his numbers would suffer if they plan on moving him? Not a big Bears fan so not to familiar with this guy or the Bears' scheme. Just wanted to know what ya think....

[gilthorp]

Gil, you think that Green is worth tagging as a keeper? Im in a Dynasty League (start 2DE/DT, 2LB, 2DB and one flex) and I have Gamble and Green. Gamble is still under his rookie contract so I keep him no matter what (I am responsible for his contract wether he is on my team or not). Green would be a viable option to keep (his salary will be something like 400K to tag). Do you think his numbers would suffer if they plan on moving him? Not a big Bears fan so not to familiar with this guy or the Bears' scheme. Just wanted to know what ya think....

 

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Sundy, the cover 2 scheme flips the SS and FS role quite a bit, and when they play their nickel or dime package, Green will essentially be free to fly to the ball.

 

Not knowing what your other options are, it's tough to say what will happen. In the current mock we are conducting here, Green was the 8th safety taken. I don't play in dynasty leagues, so I'm not the one to ask if 400K is a value for him or not.

 

In my local last year, he was the 4th ranked safety behind Ed Reed, Rodney Harrison, and Madieu Williams, just ahead of Adrian Wilson. This guy gets no respect around the league, but he continues to put up big numbers.

 

It's hard to say if his numbers will suffer, but I'd say it could be a wash as his blitzing opportunities may dip a little, but his passes defended and INT's could go up.

 

Hope that helps you.

[broncosn05]

I really like Tillman had the Bears D and he and Azumah treated me very well as did those intercepting nuts in CIN.

[gilthorp]

Let's take a look at the Linebacker situation in Chicago.

 

With both Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs solidly in place, it's not out of the question to say that they have 2 Pro Bowl caliber players this year. Granted, it takes a while to earn the respect of the various voting contingencies, but Briggs took a major step forward in doing so last year.

 

I've gone on record in this forum to say that I feel Briggs is a better Linebacker (not a better athlete) than Urlacher is. The problem is that Urlacher is such a tremendous playmaker, it's very difficult to make that argument stick. However, Briggs is more fundamentally sound in terms of what you look for in a linebacker, and Urlacher makes up for all his shortcomings (angles/coming off blocks) by the pure speed he brings to the position.

 

Urlacher was bothered by a hamstring pull in camp last year, and he rushed himself back too soon. He was never at 100 % in 04' and he still finished the season with 52 solos, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Really amazing numbers for a guy that had a bum hammy, and there's no reason to believe he won't improve on those numbers this year, especially with a more experienced unit playing in front of him.

 

Briggs, who plays on the weak side, really hit stride last year with Urlacher's playing status up in the air, netting 102 solo tackles, 10 that were behind the line of scrimmage, and took on the first point of attack as good as any weak side LB in the league. He garnered Pro Bowl alternate status last year, in only his second year in the league. As long as Urlacher stays healthy, a dip in production is probably expected for Briggs in 05', but he is well worth a Top 15 LB pick in all types of leagues. If Urlacher gets dinged again, he's a Top 8 guy no question.

 

Their problem that was not addressed in the draft is at the Strong Linebacker slot, where 3 different guys played last year. They brought in Anthony Simmons in the off season, but didn't sign him. There was also talk of bringing in Boulware, but this doesn't seem to be a fit in the system. Unless they keep on trolling in the free agent market, they'll be forced to use one of these players, and should only be considered in the deepest of IDP leagues.

 

Hunter Hillenmeyer filled in at the MLB position for the games Urlacher was out last year. He played in every game, and started 11 for the team. He can play all three LB positions, and the team likes his football intellect more than his physical abilities. He has 55 solos last year and 2 sacks, but didn't make anyone forget about #54. Still, he was counted on to play and stay healthy, and that's what he did. I'd say he's the favorite to take the strong side when they open the season.

 

The player that really looked strong last year was Marcus Reese, and he was another guy in what seemed like a long line of hamstring injuries. He must have really banged it up pretty good, because he was never really heard from again once he got nicked up. Reese is a 6-1, 233 LB from UCLA who just wasn't healthy enough to contribute last year, but WAS penciled in as the starter before he got nicked. He has the flat out speed Smith/Rivera want in this position, and would provide an excellent weapon for blitzing, but he's very raw still.

 

Joe Odom is an undersized guy who has been with the Bears for 3 years, but he's never been much of a factor, even though he started 3 games as a rookie. In my opinion, he's a bubble player, and not the short or long term solution at this position.

 

A new addition to the crew is LeVar Woods, a 6-3, 245 kid from Iowa, who spent his first four years as a special team/spot starter in Arizona. Not much press went into this signing, but he brings good size and speed, but I have to be honest, I don't know a thing about his ability as a playmaker.

 

Two other names to throw at you are Rod Wilson and Derrick Ballard, both who are projects, but Ballard is making strides in Europe.

 

It will be a camp battle and one to pay close attention to, but it is most likely Hillenmeyer and Reese in this competition. I wouldn't be surprised to see them both get time there, but remember, the moment they move into their nickel package, one of these guys would be the first ones off the field.

 

In summary, Urlacher and Briggs should be drafted in your IDP league--that's a given. You deep league players should pay attention in camp and read these reports.

 

I'll get to the Defensive Line next.

[gilthorp]

The first DL report on the Bears will be short and sweet.

 

DL Tank Johnson was arrested over the weekend for carrying a concealed weapon. Spent some time behind bars and has a court date coming soon. A more in depth DL report coming soon.

[gilthorp]

Let's get around to the Defensive Line. In an update on Tank Johnson, this is the latest.

 

Johnson is scheduled to be arraigned July 8 and is expected to plead not guilty. The league handles gun offenses just as it does situations involving drugs, alcohol and violence. If you want to look at a similar situation, Mike Doss just got slapped for two games, but he was stupid enough to shoot the weapon into/towards a crowd. Nevertheless, I see a suspension, albeit a short one for Tank.

 

In my opinion, Tank is going to struggle to get playing time this year, because Ian Scott is the most under-rated player on the line.

 

The 6 most obvious fantasy choices for IDP leagues are:

 

1. A. Ogunleye

2. A. Brown

3. T. Harris

4. I. Scott

5. M. Haynes

6. T. Johnson

 

Tank will be in a rotation on the DL, and Haynes will do the same for the DE position, but the starters will be Ogunleye, Brown, Harris, and Scott.

 

Let's look at Ian Scott's great year in 04'. Really an unsung hero on a line that was playing a new guy, and two rookies. After not playing in the first two games, and not starting until the 4th game, he never gave up his spot as a starter, recording 34 solos, 10 assists, and 2 sacks for the year. He had a high game of 7 solos, and mixed in a few games with 5 as well. Of course he's not a DL stud, but someone to keep an eye on this year as this line gets better.

 

Tommie Harris had a fantastic rookie season, not only learning the ropes, but becoming more formidable as the season went on. 28 solos, 15 assists, and 3.5 sacks were pretty tame numbers, but for a rookie, he started every game, and even though his totals dropped as the year went on, it's only because teams were paying more attention to him. Still, in most IDP leagues, he will be overlooked, and provides IMO as much value as Ian Scott does, especially for those who must draft a DT.

 

Ogunleye was new to the team last year, and he didn't impress me. True, he was battling a bum ankle for a good portion of the year, but without Jason Taylor around, he got a pretty good crash course in what it's like to be a team's #1 pass rusher. All in all, he played decent enough, with 29 solos, 8 assists, and 5.5 sacks. NOT what I expect out of my #1 guy, but with the ankle, and his past, he's worth a draft pick in IDP leagues, but not too early.

 

Alex Brown was just signed to an extension, and for all intensive purposes, he's their best down lineman. He's not only proved his worth for one season (48/10/5.5 in 2003) but put two solid efforts together gathering 39 solos, 11 assists, and 6 sacks in 2004. He has started every game the last two years, and is the type of guy you want to have on your team...very unselfish team player, but a man who will lace em up and play for 4 full quarters.

 

I rank Brown over Ogunleye in my personal rankings, but both of these guys will make a great complement to a true #1 on your fantasy teams.

 

.....

 

From this point forward, I'll try to update this thread with information that is pertinent to their starters.

 

In summary, as of the end of June, this is how I see it.

 

Ogunleye--draft as a #2 DE

Williams--draft as a #2 DT

Scott--keep an eye on, or draft in deep IDP leagues

Brown--draft as a #2 DE, could be a #1 in deep leagues

 

Briggs--inflated numbers last year, still a #1/2 LB in most leagues

Urlacher--should be back to Top 8, a certain #1 LB

Hillenmeyer--not draftable in IDP leagues at this point

 

Azumah--solid enough, but not sure he's a top 24 CB

Brown--position switch, very draftable...achilles seems fine

Green--silent type that should be drafted in every IDP league

Tillman--injured last year, may be overlooked, but he's a player

Edited June 28, 2005 by gilthorp

[Perchoutofwater]

Gil, I have to agree with you regarding Brown. He doesn't get near the recognition he deserves. He is every bit as good as Ogunleye, and can be had several rounds later.

[Rovers]

Gilthorpe said:

 

The 6 most obvious fantasy choices for IDP leagues are:

 

1. A. Ogunleye

2. A. Brown

3. T. Harris

4. I. Scott

5. M. Haynes

6. T. Johnson

 

 

Curious why you left Green off this list......

[gilthorp]

Gilthorpe said:

 

The 6 most obvious fantasy choices for IDP leagues are:

 

1. A. Ogunleye

2. A. Brown

3. T. Harris

4. I. Scott

5. M. Haynes

6. T. Johnson

Curious why you left Green off this list......

 

856718[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

That was in reference to the Bears' DL, not the Bears' defense.

[gilthorp]

Nothing much has changed through the first 10 days of camp.

 

Tommie Harris has impressed in his second camp and is looking to be a force this year. Ian Scott has been battling some injuries, but still holds the first spot in the rotation, that will inlcude Tank Johnson and Alfonso Boone (who has been written up in the local rags several times already for having the best camp at this point by any DL).

 

I'm beginning to believe that with the maturity of the DL, that Brian Urlacher is going to have a stellar year, and am going to bump him up to a Top 5 LB in my rankings. With this being the case, I'm bumping Briggs down a bit, even though he is still highly draftable, especially in deeper leagues. The last LB spot is still going to be filled by Hunter Hillenmeyer.

 

Jerry Azumah appears to be headed to surgery once again, this time for a degenerative condition in his hip. Early reports indicate that he's going to get sliced, and will miss about 3 weeks of time...so, don't expect to see him out there for any pre-season games, until maybe the last one or two. Nathan Vasher takes over for him and this leaves the Bears very thin at CB.

 

Mike Brown has been playing with the #1 defense at SS, but the biggest surprise of the last few days, especially when they had a full contact scrimmage the other night, is that Bobby Gray has been playing more with the #1 D at FS, not Mike Green. I'll try to dig out some information on this.

Edited August 3, 2005 by gilthorp

[gilthorp]

As a follow up:

 

The latest practices with Bobby Gray playing with the #1 D has been as a precaution, in case Azumah is unable to start the season. This would entail bumping Mike Brown back to his FS spot, moving Bobby Gray up due to his stoutness and big hitting ability, and leaving Mike Green as the #5....even though he'd still be on the field quite a bit.

 

The #1 D would look something like this:

 

CB: Tillman

CB: Vasher

SS: Gray

FS: Brown

Nickel: Green

 

Competing for the 4th CB spot on the roster are Jerrell Pippens (formerly of San Diego), Rashied Davis (small/fast--arena league guy), and Todd MicMillon.

 

Not sure how the DB situation will shake out if Azumah can make it back by the start of the season.

 

Stay tuned

[gilthorp]

Back from the

 

In case any of you were wondering, the first unit of the Bears defense have failed to give up a TD at this point of the pre-season. Granted, it's only been 3 games, but the unit as a whole has looked far better than expected.

 

Perhaps it's the fact that the Rams and Colts didn't have all their starters out there, but in both of these games, the Bears really caused Bulger and Manning a ton of stress, without any blitzing.

 

Ogunleye has looked like a man possessed. He has been beating the single scheme and because of this, it has allowed the DT's to really get some great push to collapse the pocket.

 

Nothing has changed on the depth chart. Still waiting for Azumah to get back into the mix, but Vasher has been playing well in his absence.

 

For a team that was already lacking depth on the defensive side, the game against the Colts was a major disaster, as they lost 3 key back-ups for the year.

 

1. Bobby Gray, who was in the rotation with Green and Brown is lost for the year with a torn ACL. He is the biggest loss, as he was going to be more than a back-up....he was vying for serious time. Call it what you will, but he was blocked below the knees on a Colts punt return and it's a tough loss.

 

2. Cameron Worrell, who has been on the team for a few years...mostly in special team roles and a few dime packages, dislocated his right shoulder and will go under the knife.

 

3. Marcus Reese, who was having a very solid camp and was emerging as the main competitor to Hillenmeyer, dislocated his left shoulder and will also be undergoing surgery.

 

The loss of Worrell pretty much opens a roster spot for the Bears sixth round pick, Chris Harris. Outside of Todd Johnson, Harris will be the 4th positional safety on the team, and has played very good at times, and like a rookie the other times.

 

Back to Azumah, it appears he's ready to start practicing again, but he will be held out of all pre-season games....so we're not going to get a chance to find out how he looks until the season starts (if he makes it for the season opener).

[Swiss Cheezhead]

That sucks for Gray and the Bears. He had a chance to be a good player.

[CaptainHook]

1. Bobby Gray, who was in the rotation with Green and Brown is lost for the year with a torn ACL. He is the biggest loss, as he was going to be more than a back-up....he was vying for serious time. Call it what you will, but he was blocked below the knees on a Colts punt return and it's a tough loss.

944383[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

OK, gil, I gotta disagree. I am guessing that you are implying it was a dirty play. From what I saw, Marlin Jackson was the guy that hit Gray below the knees. However, he was not blocking. Kelvin Hayden was tackling the Bears punt returner (Davis), and Jackson was the second man there. He lowered his head and shoulder to lay the knock-out blow, and missed. Hayden was coming from the other direction and cleared the punt returner out of the way. Gray was actually about five yards behind the Davis. Since Jackson was coming in low and fast, he fell right into Gray's just-planted leg. It was very similiar to the McGahee hit, but Gray's leg did not bend as far back. It was just a freak-accident play. NO WAY was that on purpose.

 

 

In case any of you were wondering, the first unit of the Bears defense have failed to give up a TD at this point of the pre-season. Granted, it's only been 3 games, but the unit as a whole has looked far better than expected.

944383[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Manning TD pass to Rhodes was against the Bears starting defense. Tillman was chasing Rhodes on the play. Urlacher, Harris, Ogunley, and Scott were all definitely on the field for that particular play as well.

Edited August 24, 2005 by CaptainHook

[gilthorp]

OK, gil, I gotta disagree.  I am guessing that you are implying it was a dirty play.  From what I saw, Marlin Jackson was the guy that hit Gray below the knees.  However, he was not blocking.  Kelvin Hayden was tackling the Bears punt returner (Davis), and Jackson was the second man there.  He lowered his head and shoulder to lay the knock-out blow, and missed.  Hayden was coming from the other direction and cleared the punt returner out of the way.  Gray was actually about five yards behind the Davis.  Since Jackson was coming in low and fast, he fell right into Gray's just-planted leg.  It was very similiar to the McGahee hit, but Gray's leg did not bend as far back.  It was just a freak-accident play.  NO WAY was that on purpose.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Manning TD pass to Rhodes was against the Bears starting defense.  Tillman was chasing Rhodes on the play.  Urlacher, Harris, Ogunley, and Scott were all definitely on the field for that particular play as well.

 

945076[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

They were mixing and matching at that point in time. Remember, the Bears are very thin at CB and LB...but the full first unit, no. But, it's apples and apples...hard to discern where the line is drawn.

 

Gray was on ST's and he got hit below the knee which will in effect, most probably, end his career. He's constantly getting injured and the Bears waived him today...so, he's damaged goods now.

 

The word should be changed from "blocked" to "hit". My apologies if it came across as a slam at the Colts, you mother hen!

[gilthorp]

The final update before the season starts.

 

Nothing has changed.

 

Jerry Azumah is back in practice this week and there's talk that he will be great to go...maybe even in the KR role as well.

 

The starters are the starters that have been listed here for the past few months. Their depth is a concern, but there are several players, depending on your IDP league set up that are worth having.

 

Urlacher and Briggs at the LB's.

Brown and Green at the safety spot.

Tillman at the CB.

Ogunleye and Brown (I like Ogunleye better...hugh upside) at DE.

Harris and Scott at the DT.

 

If you have any of these guys, they will produce for you. Urlacher has the potential of being Top 5, Briggs Top 15. Brown and Green each can be Top 10 guys if they get TO's and TD's, like Ed Reed did last year. Tillman is a good tackler and defends a ton of passes, and will be a top 10 CB.

 

Ogunleye is worth a start and Brown you should wait and see.

 

Word out of Halas Hall is that Tommie Harris is in for a gigantic year, that he can't be blocked by one guy, and that's going to open up a ton for everyone else on that line.

 

So, Harris may not be the best fantasy pick, but he'll be the one responsible for the fantasy impact of the other linemen.

[gilthorp]

I'm sitting here watching Lovie Smith's press conference.

 

1. Jerry Azumah will work his way more into the mix of things this week, after being played solely in nickel situations against the Skins.

 

2. Mike Green seems to be in jeopardy of losing his starting spot, and may find himself as the third safety in the rotation, perhaps only being used in dime packages. He had a critical pass interference penalty yesterday and Coach Smith said "there were a few plays that Mike didn't make yesterday that I expect him to make". Todd Johnson is the main beneficiary of this potential move.

 

No significant injuries. Urlacher/Tillman/Ogunleye/Brown were standouts in the game, as the Skins had 19 more offensive plays than the Bears, and controlled the ball for 9 more minutes. Look for this trend to continue and seeing the Bears defense on the field quite a bit.

 

This D/ST, taken by many as a sleeper, is not going to pan out as needed, simply based on how they'll get worn out as the game goes on, but still some solid IDP'ers that can be started with confidence.

 

I'll keep you posted.