The Chicago Bears Roster Confusion
by Mike Mueller on Aug 18, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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Last week's first preseason game did not provide as many answers as questions. We learned that Devin Aromashodu and Johnny Knox are going to be good. We learned that Major Wright will start at free safety for the Bears this season, but because of the fractured finger, probably not in week 1. That's about all the real positive things to come out of San Diego. Last week I detailed a lot of battles to watch for in preseason week 1. All of those battles bear watching again on Saturday night vs. the Oakland Raiders.
Last Week's Leftovers:
- Offensive Line: how does it improve? Look out for Frank Omiyale (#68) & Lance Louis (#60).
- Safety: Josh Bullocks (#36) & Al Afalava (#24) are battling for the last safety spot and will get a lot of playing time due to injuries to Wright and Steltz. And if he plays, keep on eye on Danieal Manning (#38).
- Defensive Line: Marcus Harrison (#99), Matt Toeaina (#75), Jarron Gilbert (#93), Henry Melton (#69) & Corey Wootton (#98) are all very much in the cross-hairs. Toeaina is getting some 1st team reps (he replaced Adams on obvious passing downs to rush from the DT position), Harrison showed little impact last week, Melton has gotten more praise for his burst, Wootton did not do much last week, Gilbert was ineffective and now is nursing some kind of neck/shoulder/back injury.
- Wide Receiver: Rashied Davis (#81) vs. Juaquin Iglesias (#17)
- Tight End Watch: Will they actually get a catch from Cutler? Does Manumaleuna play this week? how is he used?
What's new this week?
If Earl Bennett (#80) plays this weekend, then he should be watched closely. How do his routes look? He's got a hurt hamstring, so does he get separation and can he run away from the defense? Is he coming in with the 2nd group or deep into the 4th quarter?
Brian Iwuh (#62) is now back from injury. He made some plays in last night's practice and has been mentioned by Lovie for his good work. Where & when will he be put in the game? Hunter is nursing an injury; is his roster status in jeopardy? What about Tim Shaw (#58)? I did not see him with the linebackers much on Saturday, but we KNOW he's an absolute beast on special teams. But last weeks special teams were awful, so should Shaw (#58) be looking over his shoulder?
Because of very pressing roster issues in the secondary & on the defensive line, the Bears probably won't keep 7 linebackers. Who doesn't make the cut? (Urlacher, Briggs & Roach or Pisa are a given.) The Roach vs. Pisa loser via trade? Hunter due to injury? Shaw or Iwuh? If Iwuh establishes himself as a very good backup LB & a great special teamer, then the Roach/Pisa non-starter becomes expendable. Will another team be interested in a quality starting linebacker just before the season starts? The matchup to really focus on Saturday will be Shaw and Iwuh.
The cornerback battle is getting good. D.J. Moore (#30) is much improved. Tim Jennings (#26) made a few plays last week. Joshua Moore (#31) is making plays in practice and needs to translate that to the game on Saturday. Corey Graham (#21) is a young veteran who is a very capable backup and possible nickel. Keep an eye on the all.
The battle for the 3rd running back slot is heating up:
Lovie Smith on RB Garrett Wolfe [#25]: "Right now he's in a battle. Kahlil Bell [#32] has had a good training camp so there's good competition."
Look out for both guys on Saturday. Lester will have much more on them tomorrow.
And last, but definitely not least, who is playing quarterback besides Cutler & LeFevour?
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I hope the starters all go the whole 1st half
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 18, 2010 11:31 AM CDT reply actions
Major Wright will start week 1
The injury is not serious and Jeff Dickerson says that you might see him play in the 4th preseason game.
The question is Danieal Manning’s development. I think Manning is the wild card. The Bears “want” to see him on the field because of his athleticism, but his coverage skill is limited— at best.
Harris is the insurance at the position, but he is nowhere near as athletic and quick as Manning or Wright. Stelz is going to be out 5 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
I think if Manning flourishes you will see Manning/Wright. If not, you will see Harris/Wright with the possibility of Manning starting a couple games before week 6.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
I think the Bears will also bring in a safety for the remaider of camp due to injuries.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow?
Just 30 minutes ago. haha!
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Have you tried inception?
wait…that made no sense…
anyway…I highly doubt that manning starts over harris
by ChiTownSportsMaster on Aug 18, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Imagine if Manning is can lock down SS
And Wright can win FS…
That’s an athletic couple of players back there… Add in Harris to spell them both from time to time and they have a solid rotation at Safety
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 18, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
This ^
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
steltz
Do you guys think that Steltz is pretty much written off now, or do you think he is still realistically in the mix? Granted, injuries to others could put him right back in there but presuming things stay as they are now re injuries?
"Stay thirsty, my friend."
by Maelvampyre on Aug 18, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree.
I just have a hard time believing “how much improvement” as the Bears are reporting.
Nevertheless, good SP/T contributor.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed
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 18, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
We are trying to move away from all LSu players..
Jamarcus Russell started a trend..
"He is remarkably bright", a "terrific talent", the sky is the limit for Cutler"
-Mike Martz-
+1
well played Dane.
nobody could give that look better than Tommie Lee Jones.
by MakeHalasProud on Aug 18, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
now i'm stuck with what movie that's from?
No Country??
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 Aug 18, 2010 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Need a hint?
Captain O’Hagan: I swear to God I’m going to pistol whip the next guy who says, " Shenanigans."
Mac: Hey Farva what’s the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?
Farva: You mean Shenanigans?
Mac: OOOOOOOOOOOOHH.
Thorny: OOOOOOOOOOOOHH.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
by Ashley Czuba on Aug 18, 2010 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I know....
as soon as I hit post, I second-guessed myself. Doesn’t he look like that guy though? But it’s okay, I didn’t type it all out, I looked it up to make sure I got it right. Hahaha.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
by Ashley Czuba on Aug 19, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
the starting wide outs should b.
Da#1 knox#2 Bennett and Hester in slots
by chiguy8506 on Aug 18, 2010 11:39 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
D. Aro flourished coming out of the slot in San Diego though.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Hester is technically the slot
when he lines up as the starting Z receiver
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 18, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I just wanna see
Cutler throw more than 2 passes. See the TEs get some more action and see the RB’s get more of a role on offense. For the D I would like to see the secondary continue to step it up and the Line get a little more pressure in the backfield. Other than that this team has great potential. I dont expect much out of the O-line so they may suprise me.
they may have been trying to limit the possibility of an INT
Chicago might have been set ablaze if he threw a pick
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 Aug 18, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
In other news...
Montreal’s cop car, still on fire.
by Steven Schweickert on Aug 19, 2010 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
in all fairness....
they called 4, but a sack and a scramble prevented better viewing
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Al Afalava
Is odd man out.
That punt block he allowed signed his papers.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
That may be true
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 18, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I was an Afalava fan last year....
but seeing him get that PI call in the endzone, and then the punt block, I wont cry seeing him gone.
Ditto!
I think there is potential, but I’m not sure if it’s focused just yet.
Think he does well somewhere else.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he has some issues to work on...
And we are too focused on finding starters to work on basic issues right now. He is making the mental errors like Manning but has a lower athletic ceiling like Steltz. That automatically makes him the #5 safety BEFORE he screws up in action. If he isn’t realistically competing to start, he probably isn’t worth having as we have 4 safeties we are competing for a starting role. (Wright, Harris, Manning, Steltz).
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:03 AM CDT up reply actions
he'll flourish on another team
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 Aug 18, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Henry Melton
Wasn’t a fan of his (or even KNEW what he could bring to the table), but after seeing him line up a few times on Saturday, I understand what Marinelli and Angelo were saying about his potential.
He’s quick!
Really quick!
But, he is still raw and that is a concern as you are asking the Bears to keep a roster spot for a guy who can’t give you anything in 2010.
BUt, the potential is there.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
he has great potential
and it’s growing quickly, pretty sure he’s a rotational pass rusher this year, at worst
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 Aug 18, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
He did look great
so Lovie Smith accordingly moved him from under tackle to LDE to reset his progress. No, I am not kidding.
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:03 AM CDT up reply actions
wow
just wow
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 Aug 19, 2010 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions
They need to find a way to keep him around
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 19, 2010 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions
7 LBs I see the Bears keeping when it's all "said and done".
Urlacher
Briggs
Pisa
Roach
Hunter
Shaw
Iwuh
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
+1
I can’t cut any of them. I saw the earlier mention of maybe trading the loser of the Pisa vs. Roach battle, but realistically, with Williams traded already, we NEED someone to step in if we take injuries, and preferably need 2 such LBs. I love Iwuh and Shaw on ST, but not in my starting front 7.
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Jamar Williams for Harris
Can anyone shed some light on that trade, I thought he showed real potential and everyone was high on him and he had that big game last season with wasnt it 20+ tackles. I still am not sure on Harris 2.0, we will see if the his second coming goes anywhere. I get the same vibe from him that I got from Archuleta, losing a step as a DB can be all the difference, and I still havent given up on Alfalava but aparantly the rest of you have. Did I miss something on Williams that made the trade a no brainer?
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Aug 21, 2010 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions
I'll shed some light
With Williams the Bears would have 5 starting quality linebackers and no safeties that they were sure were starting quality. You need 3 linebackers and 2 safeties.
Thus the Bears traded one of their linebackers for a safety they were sure could start.
Davis vs Iglesias
I think the debate is not so much if it’s Davis vs Iglesias, but how many receivers the Bears will be able to keep.
Davis has outplayed Iglesias in all facades of camp. Martz and Toub have been raving about Davis and Martz has him as the no. 4 receiver on this team.
Iglesias will have to hope that someone is cut in the fat areas of the roster (RB, S, CB, or LB) and play his arse off on SP/Ts.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
Earl Bennett stays, because...
… He’s Cutler’s guy.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd just be surprised if the Bears gave up in Iglesias so quickly.
Bennett is definitely safe, I don’ t think anyone would debate that.
agreed on both accounts
They’re definitely keeping Iglesias.
by ChiTownSportsMaster on Aug 18, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Bennett was good enough last year to earn a roster spot, even if it’s #6 inactive until he is healthy. Iglesias is a 3rd round pick with less than 3 years to prove himself, he gets another season regardless (If he was NFL ready from day 1, he would have been a 1st rounder).
Hester, Knox, Aromashodu, Bennett, Iglesias and Davis all make the roster. I know I hinted at 7 LBs and 6 WRs, I think I will “mock up” my 53 later to see where the tough decisions really are.
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions
It'll be hard for you to do that.
My mock up thus far is:
2 QBs
4 RBs
0 FBs
6 WRs
4 TEs
9 OLs
9 DL
7 LBs
6 DBs
5 Safties
1 K
1 P
… And I would STILL have to cut one out of that equation.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 19, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I agee w your list a lot.
Biggs on the radio this morning said the Bears are nearly certain to keep 9 offensive linemen unless there’s an injury. (CWill, Shaff, Webb, Omiyale, Kreutz, Beekman, Louis, & Garza make 8) so then its Asiata or Marten as the 9th I guess.
DB’s: Tillman, Bowman, Graham, Jennings, Moore, & Moore. I don’t see how you get down to 5 out of that group. Especially since the secondary has been so weak the past couple of years.
I also don’t see how they keep less than 9 DL considering how much they love to rotate them. Peppers, Idonije, Anderson, Wootton, Harris, Adams, Melton, Harrison, and Toeaina make 9 already. That leaves Gilbert off the team. I see no way they cut down to 8.
The cut you’re looking for will then come from RB’s. I can’t see them keeping 4 running backs unless they keep a FB. I think Wolfe or Bell get cut.
by Mike Mueller on Aug 19, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Ok, now...
… JD has suggested OFTEN that Dave Toub does NOT want to see Garrett Wolfe off the roster. He is also a 3rd round pick in Jerry Angelo’s 2007 Draft Class that has 4 of 9 picks remaining (none star power; one starter).
If you keep Wolfe and drop Bell, then you have lost a “good” reserve running back for a guy who has not proven that he can run since he got here in 2007, but has at least contributed on SP/Ts.
You start looking up and down the roster for players who have/will contribute in 2010 and my eyes keep focusing on Iglesias.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 19, 2010 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it's much more likely...
One of the OL go to the practice squad since there are three or four guys that have that option.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
Too soon to let Iglesias go
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 19, 2010 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions
ditto!
Bennett was one of the top three receivers and Cutlers #1 check-down guy!
If he’s taking mental reps while nursing his hammy, I can’t see how they could cut him?
+1
All Bennett did last year was make tough catches. He wasn’t as fast as our other 3, but he had great arc, good hands, and made plays over the middle (Something Knox and Hester both still struggle with because of the physicality of the match ups). When a 3rd round draft pick in his second year makes at least one catch in 16 straight games and gives you over 700 yards, you keep working him.
by Brendan Hess on Aug 19, 2010 7:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Davis is raved about every training camp...
and besides one OK season, has done nothing on the field but cause heartache.
Perhaps...
… But he played out of position in 2008 and he had two QBs with their own issues in his entire Bears tenure.
I think he runs good routes and understands defenses well, but has to get his confidence issues (i.e.— drops) in order.
He’s shown that he “can” catch (as you suggested by “one season”) and he needs to prove that again. I think as the slot receiver in Martz’s offense and a Jay Cutler who can get him the ball in space— he can be successful.
Plus, his SP/T play is always a good thing to have.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Aug 18, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree...
it’s more of a confidence issue with Davis. Once he gets his confidence back up, he can be an effective slot receiver in the 4 receiver sets.
by Dominique Blanton on Aug 18, 2010 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions
D-lineman
With Melton showing some pass-rushing ability in San Diego, Gilbert, Harrison, and Wooten all need to step-it-up. I’m pretty much ready to write-off Harrison by now (and Gilbert is not too far behind). At least 1 of those guys will probably end-up on IR.
Davis and Iglesias will both be on the team (and Bennett – in case anybody thought otherwise).
Injuries are the only reason that Afalava has a shot to stick again this year.
Iwuh creates a real decision to be made. The coachs seem to like him, but he’s clearly less valuable than the 6 LBs ahead of him.
Bell vs. Wolfe is a good battle. I really think Wolfe makes more sense for us, but Bell looked quicker than last year in the 1st preseason game.
by MakeHalasProud on Aug 18, 2010 12:16 PM CDT reply actions
Saturday's game
I think this will be a good game for the starters to get work because next week they’re expected to play in the 2nd half (3rd preseason game). The roster battles are always fun to watch and hopefully the play improves as a result.
Safety is an interesting battle
The locks seem to be Harris, Wright, Manning, and you can make a case for Steltz. It will be interesting to see who wins the final spot between Afalava and Bullocks. Afalava hasn’t had a very good camp and Bullocks has been banged up. Next two games are critical for both these guys.
by Dominique Blanton on Aug 18, 2010 7:26 PM CDT reply actions
I really...
Really really really want Afalava to make it over Bullocks.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
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