The 10 Most Important Bears in 2010 - #6 Chris Harris
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 13, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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In this ongoing series to name the Top 10 Most Important Bears for 2010, I'll use the same criteria I used last year. I'm not only going to look at any potential on field impact they may have, but also depth at the position (Would losing him be a huge blow or not?) will come into play. The individual's leadership will be a factor as well. This list will be so subjective, there really is no right or wrong. My hope, as it was last year, is that this will spark some solid off season debate and discussion.
I'm finally getting around to the defensive side of the ball, and at #6 will be the reacquired, and friend to WCG, Strong Safety / Free Safety Chris Harris.
Even though Chris Harris has yet to make a Pro Bowl, he brings instant credibility, and more importantly, leadership, to a position group that has been searching for answers for some time now. Whether lining up at the free safety (as he is now with Danieal Manning at SS) or at his more accustomed strong safety (hopefully rookie Major Wright will show the necessary traits to get in at FS) Harris will bring his experience (5 years, 69 games, 64 starts) to the secondary.
Having that guy behind the defense that understands the players' positioning and responsibilities of his teammates has been missing since Mike Brown was in Chicago. Harris will act like a coach on the field by ensuring his defenders get in the right spots if the offense is moving around. He should be a guy the Bears won't have to worry about in regards to spacing in zone coverage. Just knowing Harris will be where he's supposed to be will really help the corners in playing their zone aggressively. That confidence will allow the corners to come off receivers quicker to take away the shorter routes when in Cover 2. Even though he's three years removed from his first two years in Chicago, the Panthers ran some similar stuff. Picking up the Lovie Smith system should be just like riding a bike.
The thing that impressed me most about Harris was his willingness to be a leader. I don't remember the last Bear that made it a point to say he was going to help out the young players. I believe he'll have a positive impact in the locker room as well as on the field.
The list so far:
#10 - Robbie Gould - Kicker
#9 - Matt Forte - Running back
#8 - Olin Kreutz - Center
#7 - Mike Martz - Offensive Coordinator
#6 - Chris Harris - Safety
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Good write up Wilt.
Looking forward to having Chris in the secondary again for all the reasons you mentioned. Also looking forward to him living up to the Hitman moniker. I hope that he does step into that leadership role because you could tell it was lacking last year and the secondary had no true leader/face.
If Mike Ditka punched you in the face, you'd have to fight off the urge to thank him.
No doubt "The Hitman" will be key
Like you said, mostly because of the leadership he brings, knowledge of the defense, helping guys on and off the field, etc…
Plus we’ve been missing that big hitter presence from our safeties. Who else better to fill that void than “The Hitman”.
I like the stuff you do with Dent’s name in your comments. You should expand on it, maybe by throwing in a little subliminal messages like the one below:
…knowledge of the defense, helping guys on and off the field, etc…
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jul 13, 2010 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't y'all worry...
We’re all gellin’. This TEAM is tight as can be.
Follow me on http://Facebook.com/NFL.Chris.Harris & http://Twitter.com/ChrisHarrisNFL
by ChrisHarris on Jul 13, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Good to hear!!!
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 13, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
REALLY good to hear !!!!
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jul 13, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude, you just got me so hype!
This TEAM is tight as can be.
Between you, Peanut and the rest of the D, I’m thinkin’ around a +20 turnover ratio this year.
Field and locker room leadership = HUGE.
If he and Urlacher can stay healthy, that ought to make a real difference for the in-game adjustments.
I hope Peppers can develope a similar role as well
Especially given all the young defensive linemen around him.
by GriggsBriggs on Jul 14, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Chris Harris FTW
He's a 300-pound man who moves like a defensive back. That's what you're dealing with." — Bears coach Lovie Smith on DE Julius Peppers
by BearNecessities on Jul 13, 2010 11:52 AM CDT reply actions
Agreed
Not only does he bring depth and skill but the experience and leadership he provides for a young secondary will hopefully be huge. Go Chris Harris!
Am I missing something?
Why does SB Nation have Chris Harris listed as a 6-6, 245 lb D-End on his player profile?
#6 most important
Yes, totally agree with your choice. #46 will be a difference maker this year. He and Major Wright should be the best safety combo we’ve had here in a while.
if
Wright can win the job… otherwise it’s Danieal Manning time!
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 13, 2010 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
The duo of DManning at SS and CHarris at FS is problematic
The Bears need Wright to step up and win the FS job
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 14, 2010 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Ouestion?
His punnishing way of play and the fact that he may have lost a half step make him a much better prospect at SS playing up closer to the line,
… but his FBI is crucial to be further back at FS and reposition the defensive set to counter offensive shifts.
Guess you “can’t always have it with jam on it” :(
Where ever he ends up, … it will be a Huge upgrade just to have him in uniform and playing!
Go Bears!
C Harris is a great...
addition in the offseason. It’s hard to characterize the SS vs. the FS in a 2 deep zone base defense. Strictly speaking, C Harris is a better SS as he is a “hitter” more than he is a “cover” guy. His experience will benefit the entire DB corps, and playing the FS position will utilize his experience to direct and manage the coverage responsibilities. IMO, Wright has to step up and be a starting FS by mid-season or his draft spot would have been better used on the interior o-line. D Manning can be the utility DB, backing up 3 or 4 positions well, but he’s just not got it all together to be a starter in the D backfield for whatever reason. Thus, C Harris has to be a coach, player, and mentor all at the same time; and also a “hitman”. I agree #6 it is.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
exactly
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 14, 2010 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully Wright steps up soon and takes over the FS spot
so CHarris can move to SS where he is better suited.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
Great Post
If Wright is not ready by week 1, I am comfortable with Harris at FS and Manning at SS. The best combination though is probably Harris FS and Steltz SS if Wright is not ready. We need some veteran leadership back there at safety and Harris truly provides that.
by Dominique Blanton on Jul 14, 2010 2:31 PM CDT reply actions
Steltz?
Did Dane hijack your account?
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
I was with him until he said Steltz. If our goal is to make the other teams WR’s look good, then yes. Hell, we could even pair him up with Bullocks or maybe even bring back Archuleta.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jul 14, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Never say bring back Archuleta, it makes me physically ill.
If Mike Ditka punched you in the face, you'd have to fight off the urge to thank him.
by Ditkavsworld on Jul 15, 2010 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Steltz?
Don’t even suggest that in jest.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 15, 2010 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions
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