The Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster Scrum
by Mike Mueller on Aug 11, 2010 11:01 AM CDT
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PrintThe first preseason game is just days away. The first depth chart has been released. LINK There are not only plenty of battles for starting positions, but there will be lots of heated competition to just make the final 53-man roster.
6 weeks ago, I made some predictions, took a lot of heat for some & got some great feedback on others. This weekend's game against San Diego would usually bore most NFL and Bears' fans. But to our enlightened readership, who know all the little details of the 80th guy on the roster, there is a lot to watch for during the game.
The first thing to look for is the battle at wide receiver. With Knox, Hester, & Aromoshodu locked-in as the top 3, the battle for the 4th, 5th, & probably 6th receiver spot is intense. Rashied Davis currently sits at 2nd on the depth chart behind Knox. The coaches know him and, for whatever reason, trust him. He's a special teams asset too. Sitting at 3rd on the depth chart are Juaquin Iglesias & Earl Bennett. Iglesias has gotten lots of praise from coaches lately. Bennett has not played due to first his knee injury and now a hamstring injury. There's been some heated discussion at WCG about Bennett knowing or not knowing the plays. But the bottom line is he's not on the field executing the plays. He's behind.
That does not mean he's about to get cut, there is a lot of preseason football to still be played (but Bennett will probably not play Saturday). However, Greg Matthews and Eric Peterman have been mentioned in articles & on Twitter as guys who have made lots of plays in training camp.
Who to watch during the game: Davis (#81), Iglesias (#17), Matthews (#16), & Peterman (#11)
Next thing to look out is the battle for the defensive line positions. From my June 30th article:
Note: The Bears have kept 9 defensive linemen the past 2 seasons. I suspect that's the number again this season. Because they love to rotate linemen so much, they need the bodies. Peppers, Anderson, Idonije, Harris, & Adams make 5 locks. Gilbert & Harrison makes 7. That leaves 2 spots for Melton, Wootton, Toeaina, & Saddler-McQueen to fight for. However, with Idonije's versatility and the potential for Gilbert to play inside & outside too, do the Bears just keep 8 to make room in other areas? This will be a spirited battle and one to watch for in the preseason games.
Saddler-McQeen is already gone. Mick Williams was brought in, but he succumbed to the heat during his 1st practice. There are still 5 locks listed above, and those 5 might not get a lot of PT on Saturday. Marcus Harrison is probably the 6th lock because he plays both DT spots; he should play a lot against SD. Saturday's focus should be on Melton (learning 3-tech spot, Marinelli complemented him), Toeaina (lots of great buzz on him this TC), Gilbert (not much has been said on him), and Wootton, who ran with the 1st team defense yesterday. Two of those 4 will make the team for sure (8 total DL), and probably a 3rd makes it to run the total # of D-linemen to 9.
Who to watch during the game: Harrison (#99), Toeaina (#75), Gilbert (#93), Melton (#69) & Wootton (#98)
Next up is the TE/H-Back/FB position. Greg Olsen is the #1 TE; Dez Clark is the #1 H-Back, but is still really a TE. Whatever. We're keeping four guys for sure. Olsen & Clark are locks. Kellen Davis has been a ghost up until yesterday's practice. Manumaleuna is always sitting out hurt. If this keeps up, will he end up on IR? Richard Angulo has ties to Martz & Tice. The fullbacks have been pretty quiet, so I wonder how much playing time they'll get. Unga is probably headed for a redshirt IR season with the bad hammy. Where will the TE line up? The 2nd TE? The FB?
Who to watch during the game: K. Davis (#87), Angulo (#89), Ta'ufo'ou (#45), & Eddie Williams (#43)
The next position I'll focus on is safety. The carousel at safety is operating at full speed. Is Chris Harris a free or strong safety, Danieal Manning too? Well, assuming everyone plays, Harris and Manning will probably start...for now, but not play much, as they have both missed TC time due to injury. Major Wright and perennial camp standout/gameday disappointment Craig Steltz are sure to make the roster and get some good PT Saturday. Others trying to make the team are Josh Bullocks, Al Afalava, and Quentin Scott. ONLY 1 of which will actually make the team.
Who to watch during the game: Wright (just to see if he is really getting it) (#27), Bullocks (#36), Afalava (#24), & Scott (#37)
The last position group I'll focus on is offensive line. This is difficult to evaluate in the preseason, but look for how well Garza and Louis do at LG & RG. How many false starts will Frank Omiyale have? The real battle is for the 8th & final spot on the line. The 7 locks in my opinion are Chris Williams, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer (swing tackle, solid vet), and Josh Beekman (backup G & C, solid vet). That leaves 1 spot for Johan Asiata (lots of hype from OTA's has fizzled), J'Marcus Webb (Tice keeps pointing him out), and James Marten.
Who to watch during the game: Asiata (#62), Webb (#73), & Marten (#72)
Other things to look for on Saturday:
- Roach (#53) vs. Pisa (#59)
- Tim Shaw (#58) on special teams because he's awesome at it.
- Backup CB's Tim Jennings (#26), Josh Moore (#31), and Woodny Turenne (#47)
- Nickel back battle: Corey Graham (#21) vs. D.J. Moore (#30) vs. Jennings (#26)
- Khalil Bell (#32) vs. "4th on the depth chart" Garrett Wolfe (#25)
- The Caleb Hanie (#12) Experience (he'll probably play 1/2 the 1st quarter, the 2nd & 3rd quarters; with Dan LeFevour (#15) playing in the 4th quarter)
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nice look at the roster...
I think a few of those bubble guys will have a mysterious injury and end up on IR
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 Aug 11, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions
Juaquin Iglesias is one guy I will single out in Saturday game
With Bennett behind and Davis pretty much getting the reps at the 4th receiver because he’s a vet, I will see how hungry Iglesias is for that 4th receiver spot. I think he has a good chance of taking spot away from Davis and Bennett.
by Dominique Blanton on Aug 11, 2010 12:07 PM CDT reply actions
Davis is not the future (depth-wise), so Iglesias certainly will have every opportunity to shine. However, I am interested to see more from Greg Mathews in this first preseason game. I think that with his size and his ability he can compete for that 6th spot or at the very least a practice squad position.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 11, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
A guy who will probably not make the roster, but will be a good NFL player.
Brian Iwuh.
Heard nothing but good things about this guy since the beginning of camp. Unfortunately he has been injured the past week or so and has not really participated.
But the guy has speed and good tackling. He also has ideal size.
Semper Fi
Iwuh is in.
This team puts a premium on special teams ability. However, Iwuh will be a Tim Shaw and never see the field other than special teams.
My prediction: Despite a couple sacks, Hanie will have a very good game (TE, Peterman) and the ground game will struggle
Defensively, we have a lot of serviceable depth in the secondary, as far as a Preseason game is concerned, and good linebackers – but more questions on the second tier of the defensive front. Wright, bullocks, and Graham will shine, along with solid LB play and a surprise or two from either Melton or Gilbert. Bears lose 26-24 on a 4th quarter pick.
by DisCUBbobulated on Aug 11, 2010 12:28 PM CDT reply actions
Culter/Rivers
I know it’s just a preseason game and starters won’t play long, but these two guys hate each other. I’d love to see Culter look sharp and River’s to cough it up once or twice to one of our new defensive players. I have never cared much for Rivers.
What's that? Ah -- Playoffs? Don't talk about -- playoffs?! You kidding me?! Playoffs?! - Jim Mora
With their OL issues
you may very well get you wish.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Right on
I never liked Rivers, long before Cutler was a Bear I always pulled for him when the Broncos would play the Chargers. I remember watching a Charger/Viking game in ’07 or ’08 and like any sane Bear fan I wanted the Vikings to lose. After watching Rivers whine to the refs and his team for a quarter or two of football it was actually difficult for me to pull for the Chargers even against though they were up a hated division rival (of course not entirely impossible—-we are talking about the Vikings here).
by HasClothesLikeaDickhead on Aug 11, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
More reps for 1st team offense?
I know this is a crazy idea and probably wrong, but with how hard Martz’s playbook is, and how our offense needs to hit the ground running, should the first team play a quarter and a half? Yeah, injuries can happen, but they can happen at camp just as easily.
From Zaidman Tweet
Mike Martz says he anticipates the offense will play more than just a series in San Diego
Sounds like they might get a longer look but I wouldn’t think more than a couple of series. Probably depend on how it goes.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Al Afalava?
Nobody seems to concerned with him these days after a off-and-on first season. I think he will be a roster cut in the end, but I think he has potential at SS.
Semper Fi
Been waiting for this post...
Honestly, I love Afalava, and I thought his play last year was far beyond anything anybody could’ve expected from a 7th round rookie. If they would just let him PLAY, IMO they’d have a starting Safety tandem for the next half decade at least with Wright. I’d like to see him at the Free with Harris at the Strong and just let the two work together.
Really hope he’s not a roster cut. He could be REALLY good (IMO, he already is).
He was my sleeper pick last year.
I like his “big hit” ability, but I think with preferential treatment of Daniel Manning and the addition of Chris Harris this offseason, Al Afalava might be odd man out.
He’s in a position battle with Stelz who everyone that has seen the Bears practice this year, has said looks solid at both safety positions.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 11, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Makes more sense to keep him than a guy like Steltz
at least Afalava has the potential to get better.
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 Aug 14, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Really looking forward to Saturday
Don’t know how I’ll watch the game b/c it’s not nationally televised, nor do I have the NFL pass thingy, but I shall find a way.
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
Anyone else find the look of the pic slightly disturbing?
I looks to me like Jay is about to pull Johnny into a tender embrace. Why is he “cupping” Johnny’s face?
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
Good call!
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 Aug 11, 2010 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Amazing what timing can do in a picture.
Ain’t it?
Gilbert will be cut.
They tried to bring him inside which was a dumb thing to do with a guy as tall as he is, and now he’s behind the curve at DE. I mean you never even hear him mentioned, which is crazy. Wootton is the new guy getting all the talk and with him, Peppers, Harris, Idonije, Anderson, Adams, Harrison, Melton, and Toeaina that makes nine.
I think it's Melton
Melton was horrible the one practice I went to and JD of ESPN and Sean Jenson of the Sun-Times have echoed the same sentiments.
Gilbert is a project that I think Marinelli likes, but he certainly is on the cusp of being trimmed off the roster.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 11, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
One of the articles said Melton was projected as a 7th rounder or undrafted free agent, before Angelo massively reached in the 4th round. I think we were all still staggering about in disbelief that we’d drafted defensive line again with Gilbert in the previous round to have taken too much notice in the draft thread.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Yet another example
of why we should’ve fired Jerry Angelo in 1998….
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
Keep your eyes on Geno Atkins
This was the pick I wanted in this year’s draft.
Word is, Angelo was debating between him and Wooton and saw more “long-term” potential from an injured Wooton than from a healthy and rejuvenated Atkins.
Atkins is doing well in Bengals camp this year and “might” actually start this year. He was drafted in the 4th round of this year’s draft, so it will be interesting to see just how well he turns out.
Two years ago, I was adament about Sam Baker in Atlanta over Chris Williams. I think Sam Baker will have the better career, but time will tell on that one.
I think Atkins might be the same.
sigh!… ANgelo. :-/
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 12, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Was he the rookie DL who was showing early Tommie Harris-esque explosiveness off the line of scrimmage in the HOF game the other night? I know it’s only preseason, but he definitely caught the eye.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Brandon Malemanuna is overweight?
JD just said that on ESPN 1000 that it isn’t an “injury” that is keeping him sidelined…
… It’s his weight!
He says that he is on the treadmill everyday trying to cut weight and that’s what’s holding him back
Semper Fi
Manumaleuna
That’s a really bad start…give the guy a 5 year deal and this is what happens. Other things I’m looking for Sat. is to see the young underrated guys, like Turenne and Caleb Hanie. He should get alot of PT and we may need the backup QB to be comfortable running the offense just in case.
According to some WCGers...
…that would mean he falls down a lot, but faster.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Looking forward
To getting to see Quentin Scott play. He could do things with his size and speed.
LMFAO!!!
and perennial camp standout/gameday disappointment Craig Steltz are sure to make the roster
In all seriousness, this was a good article for me to reference during the game (and when I re-watch it 39 times).
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