NFC North: Kevin Payne
Cleaning out my notebook with the 2011 NFL draft in the books:
The Chicago Bears love their safeties. Cal's Chris Conte is the ninth they've drafted since general manager Jerry Angelo took over in 2002.
(Extra credit if you can name all nine. They're at the bottom of this post.)
The Bears have given most of the players on that list a chance to start, and there's no reason to think they have a different plan for Conte. The Bears are targeting 2010 third-rounder Major Wright as a starting safety, and it's only fair to note that his presumed 2011 partner -- veteran Chris Harris -- is entering the final year of his contract. Is Conte the long-term replacement for Harris?
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears "spent a lot of time" scouting Conte and noted that his conversion from cornerback means he has some cover skills. Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke received a strong recommendation from Cal defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, and Angelo said it's "very, very hard to find free safeties." Call me crazy, but I'm thinking we'll see Conte on the field sooner rather than later.
It was nice to see Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders announce the Detroit Lions' choice of Boise State receiver Titus Young in the second round. Sanders hasn't taken much of a public profile in recent years, so it was interesting to follow his draft thoughts via Twitter (@BarrySanders). I noticed this tweet in particular:
The Lions have a distinguished history that predates that disastrous Matt Millen era that many modern-day fans associate them with. The endorsement of one of their best-ever players shouldn't be taken lightly.
Only a few minutes after drafting Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure, Lions coach Jim Schwartz was already facing the question: How will he dole out playing time between Leshoure and incumbent Jahvid Best?
Schwartz said he won't use a "Randy Ratio," the Minnesota Vikings' ill-fated attempt to ration throws to receiver Randy Moss in 2002. (Current Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was in the same position with the Vikings at the time.) Schwartz said there was "definitely a possibility" of using both in the same backfield, but made clear that the approach could "change from week to week."
Schwartz: "It might change due to injuries and player availability. It might change based on opponent. I think there's a lot of different things that happen in our division. We see a 4-3 team like the Chicago Bears. We see a 3-4 team like the Green Bay Packers. That's a different style of running back. [You] play 3-4 teams that are two-gapping, that are holding on -- you need a big back who can run through some arm tackles. You want to get guys matched up on different teams, you need guys who can match up and beat linebackers and people that want to play man and trick coverage up for a certain player."
A few years ago, we celebrated when the Bears drafted the "pool guy." Defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert had made waves during the pre-draft process by jumping out of a pool and posting the video on YouTube. Unfortunately, Gilbert couldn't play and was waived last summer.
The Green Bay Packers drafted their own pool guy, Arizona defensive end/linebacker Ricky Elmore, but there is reason to believe he has a better future than Gilbert.
True, Elmore has posted videos of him both jumping out of a pool and into a truck on YouTube. But it's also worth noting that Elmore actually had more production last season than his more-famous teammate, defensive end/linebacker Brooks Reed.
Elmore finished last season with 11 sacks and a total of 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Reed had six sacks and 10 tackles behind the line. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, I'm eager to see if Elmore's athleticism and college production can translate in the Packers' 3-4 scheme.
Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to be the starter sooner than later, if not immediately. Assuming that's the case, it's quite possible the Vikings will look for other ways to get Joe Webb onto the field -- possibly in a way that reflects the New York Jets' use of Brad Smith. In either event, it's likely the Vikings will need a veteran backup.
Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave endorsed that suggestion, saying over the weekend that it "balances out a position." There continue to be reports, most recently from NFL.com, that the Vikings' most likely target is Washington's Donovan McNabb. If Ponder is going to take over at some point in 2011, that wouldn't make much sense to me.
But what do I know?
The Vikings might be the only NFC North team looking to add to its quarterback depth chart. Angelo strongly indicated that rookie Nathan Enderle will be the Bears' No. 3 quarterback behind Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie. The Packers seem set with Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell. And Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has said he plans no changes from the trio of Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton.
South Florida safety Mistral Raymond, drafted by the Vikings with the No. 170 overall pick, has endured an incredible three years. As Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune explains, a group vowing retaliation for a shooting mis-identified Raymond's childhood home in Florida and burned it down using Molotov cocktails. No family members were killed, but one of Raymond's sisters was shot four times and airlifted to a trauma center for emergency surgery.
Then, last month, another sister was murdered. Raymond said over the weekend that he hoped his selection in the draft provided a joyful outlet for his family.
"Just having my family here with me, having them see my name come across the screen and seeing the excitement that it brought them, I think it was a relief for all of us," he said. "It helped me realize what type of position that the Lord has put me in. He has blessed me to be an outlet for my family. For them to have excitement no matter what at any given time of the day. It's just a great feeling for me personally, and I'm very grateful to be in the position I'm in."
And finally, your trivia answer: Bobby Gray (2002), Todd Johnson (2003), Chris Harris (2005), Danieal Manning (2006), Kevin Payne (2007), Craig Steltz (2008), Al Afalava (2009), Major Wright (2010), Chris Conte (2011).
The Chicago Bears love their safeties. Cal's Chris Conte is the ninth they've drafted since general manager Jerry Angelo took over in 2002.
(Extra credit if you can name all nine. They're at the bottom of this post.)
The Bears have given most of the players on that list a chance to start, and there's no reason to think they have a different plan for Conte. The Bears are targeting 2010 third-rounder Major Wright as a starting safety, and it's only fair to note that his presumed 2011 partner -- veteran Chris Harris -- is entering the final year of his contract. Is Conte the long-term replacement for Harris?
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears "spent a lot of time" scouting Conte and noted that his conversion from cornerback means he has some cover skills. Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke received a strong recommendation from Cal defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, and Angelo said it's "very, very hard to find free safeties." Call me crazy, but I'm thinking we'll see Conte on the field sooner rather than later.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Frank Franklin IIFormer Lions running back Barry Sanders said via Twitter that he might visit Detroit's training camp this offseason.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin IIFormer Lions running back Barry Sanders said via Twitter that he might visit Detroit's training camp this offseason."Very impressed with what the team has done over the past few drafts.... I might even stop by training camp to see the guys this year..."
The Lions have a distinguished history that predates that disastrous Matt Millen era that many modern-day fans associate them with. The endorsement of one of their best-ever players shouldn't be taken lightly.
Only a few minutes after drafting Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure, Lions coach Jim Schwartz was already facing the question: How will he dole out playing time between Leshoure and incumbent Jahvid Best?
Schwartz said he won't use a "Randy Ratio," the Minnesota Vikings' ill-fated attempt to ration throws to receiver Randy Moss in 2002. (Current Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was in the same position with the Vikings at the time.) Schwartz said there was "definitely a possibility" of using both in the same backfield, but made clear that the approach could "change from week to week."
Schwartz: "It might change due to injuries and player availability. It might change based on opponent. I think there's a lot of different things that happen in our division. We see a 4-3 team like the Chicago Bears. We see a 3-4 team like the Green Bay Packers. That's a different style of running back. [You] play 3-4 teams that are two-gapping, that are holding on -- you need a big back who can run through some arm tackles. You want to get guys matched up on different teams, you need guys who can match up and beat linebackers and people that want to play man and trick coverage up for a certain player."
A few years ago, we celebrated when the Bears drafted the "pool guy." Defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert had made waves during the pre-draft process by jumping out of a pool and posting the video on YouTube. Unfortunately, Gilbert couldn't play and was waived last summer.
The Green Bay Packers drafted their own pool guy, Arizona defensive end/linebacker Ricky Elmore, but there is reason to believe he has a better future than Gilbert.
True, Elmore has posted videos of him both jumping out of a pool and into a truck on YouTube. But it's also worth noting that Elmore actually had more production last season than his more-famous teammate, defensive end/linebacker Brooks Reed.
Elmore finished last season with 11 sacks and a total of 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Reed had six sacks and 10 tackles behind the line. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, I'm eager to see if Elmore's athleticism and college production can translate in the Packers' 3-4 scheme.
Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to be the starter sooner than later, if not immediately. Assuming that's the case, it's quite possible the Vikings will look for other ways to get Joe Webb onto the field -- possibly in a way that reflects the New York Jets' use of Brad Smith. In either event, it's likely the Vikings will need a veteran backup.
Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave endorsed that suggestion, saying over the weekend that it "balances out a position." There continue to be reports, most recently from NFL.com, that the Vikings' most likely target is Washington's Donovan McNabb. If Ponder is going to take over at some point in 2011, that wouldn't make much sense to me.
But what do I know?
The Vikings might be the only NFC North team looking to add to its quarterback depth chart. Angelo strongly indicated that rookie Nathan Enderle will be the Bears' No. 3 quarterback behind Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie. The Packers seem set with Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell. And Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has said he plans no changes from the trio of Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton.
South Florida safety Mistral Raymond, drafted by the Vikings with the No. 170 overall pick, has endured an incredible three years. As Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune explains, a group vowing retaliation for a shooting mis-identified Raymond's childhood home in Florida and burned it down using Molotov cocktails. No family members were killed, but one of Raymond's sisters was shot four times and airlifted to a trauma center for emergency surgery.
Then, last month, another sister was murdered. Raymond said over the weekend that he hoped his selection in the draft provided a joyful outlet for his family.
"Just having my family here with me, having them see my name come across the screen and seeing the excitement that it brought them, I think it was a relief for all of us," he said. "It helped me realize what type of position that the Lord has put me in. He has blessed me to be an outlet for my family. For them to have excitement no matter what at any given time of the day. It's just a great feeling for me personally, and I'm very grateful to be in the position I'm in."
And finally, your trivia answer: Bobby Gray (2002), Todd Johnson (2003), Chris Harris (2005), Danieal Manning (2006), Kevin Payne (2007), Craig Steltz (2008), Al Afalava (2009), Major Wright (2010), Chris Conte (2011).
B & B all over: Pressure on Schwartz
April, 29, 2010
4/29/10
11:55
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Chicago Bears
- Safety Kevin Payne, who was traded to the Rams Wednesday for a conditional seventh-round 2011 draft pick, could benefit from a change of scenery in St. Louis. Payne's agent, Albert Elias, found the safety a new home with the blessing of Bears general manager Jerry Angelo.
- The Detroit Free Press' Jamie Samuelsen predicts the Lions will win six games this year -- not that Samuelsen sees much use in April predictions.
- With the infusion of talent on Detroit's roster comes greater expectations of coach Jim Schwartz to win this season.
- Those close to first-round pick Bryan Bulaga say Green Bay is a better fit for the offensive tackle than a larger market like New York or San Francisco would have been.
- The Packers like sixth-round running back James Starks' potential as both a running and receiving threat.
- A stadium bill with bipartisan support expected to be introduced next week in the state legislature would give Minnesota cities and counties the option to vie for being the new home of Vikings.
Harris trade pushes Payne out Bears' door
April, 28, 2010
4/28/10
9:30
PM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
ESPNChicago's Jeff Dickerson offers strong insight into the career of Bears safety Kevin Payne, which ended Wednesday when he was traded to St. Louis. Payne was a good run defender, Dickerson writes, but his weaknesses in coverage were exposed when the Bears moved him to free safety in 2008.
There wasn't going to be an opportunity to play strong safety this year after the re-acquisition of Chris Harris. That the Bears got any compensation for Payne, even if it was only a conditional seventh-round pick, was unexpected.
As we discussed Tuesday, Harris and rookie Major Wright appear the strongest candidates to open the season as the Bears' starters. ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright suggests that Danieal Manning could figure as the nickel back. If you're curious where the Bears' safety depth stands after this week's shakeup, take a look at the chart above.
There wasn't going to be an opportunity to play strong safety this year after the re-acquisition of Chris Harris. That the Bears got any compensation for Payne, even if it was only a conditional seventh-round pick, was unexpected.
As we discussed Tuesday, Harris and rookie Major Wright appear the strongest candidates to open the season as the Bears' starters. ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright suggests that Danieal Manning could figure as the nickel back. If you're curious where the Bears' safety depth stands after this week's shakeup, take a look at the chart above.
Tuesday was busy enough in Chicago that we need a clean-up session to wrap up all the goings-on. We covered the acquisition of safety Chris Harris pretty thoroughly, but in addition:
The Bears restructured Harris' contract. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is now worth a maximum of $3.5 million and expires after the 2011 season. But if the Bears pay an option bonus due in March 2011, they'll be required to extend the contract further.
Director of college scouting Greg Gabriel was informed his contract will not be renewed. This continues an expected shakeup and clears the way for former Seattle general manager Tim Ruskell to join the team, as Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune writes.
Free-agent guard Alan Faneca signed with Arizona, eliminating the possibility he might go to the Bears. It's not clear if the Bears ever got involved, however.
Finally, the Tribune's Brad Biggs suggests that safety Kevin Payne is likely to seek his release following the Harris trade.
We shouldn't minimize the changes the Bears have made to their roster. As we noted earlier this month, only six starters remain from their 2006 Super Bowl team. But they've now overhauled their coaching staff and front office as well. More to come on these changes.
Continuing around the NFC North:
The Bears restructured Harris' contract. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is now worth a maximum of $3.5 million and expires after the 2011 season. But if the Bears pay an option bonus due in March 2011, they'll be required to extend the contract further.
Director of college scouting Greg Gabriel was informed his contract will not be renewed. This continues an expected shakeup and clears the way for former Seattle general manager Tim Ruskell to join the team, as Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune writes.
Free-agent guard Alan Faneca signed with Arizona, eliminating the possibility he might go to the Bears. It's not clear if the Bears ever got involved, however.
Finally, the Tribune's Brad Biggs suggests that safety Kevin Payne is likely to seek his release following the Harris trade.
We shouldn't minimize the changes the Bears have made to their roster. As we noted earlier this month, only six starters remain from their 2006 Super Bowl team. But they've now overhauled their coaching staff and front office as well. More to come on these changes.
Continuing around the NFC North:
- Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press questions whether Lions running back Kevin Smith realizes the impact of rookie Jahvid Best's arrival. Smith recently referred to Best as a "good complement." Monarrez: "Let's hope Smith is just being polite and that he truly understands that he's in a fight to keep his job and that coaches probably already have him penciled in as No. 2 on the depth chart."
- Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com hasn't ruled out the possibility of the Lions signing free-agent linebacker Keith Bulluck.
- Rookie free agent Sam Shields, a cornerback from Miami, is the fastest player on the Packers' roster, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- Mark Craig of the Star Tribune explores the issues in the Williams Wall trial.
- Dennis Lien of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "A proposal to allow slot machines to help pay for a new Vikings football stadium fell flat Tuesday in the Minnesota House."
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has dutifully chronicled the Bears’ near-constant upheaval at safety during the Lovie Smith regime. According to Biggs, there have been 41 lineup changes at safety since the 2004 season. That’s an astounding average of one for every 2.3 games.
The Bears thought so highly of their safety depth that they traded the promising Chris Harris to Carolina before the 2007 season. On the occasion of his reacquisition Tuesday, I thought I would give you a look at who has manned the Bears’ safety positions during his absence.
The bottom line: eight different starters for two positions over three years. Quite simply, that illustrates incredible turnover. Here you go, with games started in (parenthesis):
The Bears thought so highly of their safety depth that they traded the promising Chris Harris to Carolina before the 2007 season. On the occasion of his reacquisition Tuesday, I thought I would give you a look at who has manned the Bears’ safety positions during his absence.
The bottom line: eight different starters for two positions over three years. Quite simply, that illustrates incredible turnover. Here you go, with games started in (parenthesis):
MINNEAPOLIS -- No surprises or official lineup changes to announce prior to Minnesota’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but here’s one situation to monitor.
We discussed last week the possibility of Minnesota limiting cornerback Antoine Winfield’s exposure given the clear impact his sprained foot continues to have. Winfield told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols that he will play in short yardage and nickel situations only. If that’s the case, Benny Sapp will be the Vikings’ starter at cornerback alongside Cedric Griffin.
Over in Detroit, the Lions confirmed that quarterback Daunte Culpepper will start against Chicago. The Bears will start Nate Vasher in place of injured cornerback Charles Tillman. Their starting safeties will be Craig Steltz and Kevin Payne.
We discussed last week the possibility of Minnesota limiting cornerback Antoine Winfield’s exposure given the clear impact his sprained foot continues to have. Winfield told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols that he will play in short yardage and nickel situations only. If that’s the case, Benny Sapp will be the Vikings’ starter at cornerback alongside Cedric Griffin.
Over in Detroit, the Lions confirmed that quarterback Daunte Culpepper will start against Chicago. The Bears will start Nate Vasher in place of injured cornerback Charles Tillman. Their starting safeties will be Craig Steltz and Kevin Payne.
Chicago Bears: Receiver Devin Hester (calf) and safety Kevin Payne (ankle) both had full practices Thursday and seem on track to play Sunday at Detroit. Safety Al Afalava (knee), receiver Johnny Knox (ankle) and safety Danieal Manning (calf) did not practice.
Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, the Lions sold out Sunday’s season finale. … Safety Louis Delmas (ankle) and linebacker Larry Foote (foot) missed practice. Delmas seems to have a better chance than Foote of playing Sunday.
Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) sat out his second consecutive day of practice, but fellow linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) participated fully. So did left tackle Chad Clifton (knee) and defensive end Johnny Jolly (foot). Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) didn’t practice and doesn’t seem likely to play Sunday at Arizona. The same goes for safety Derrick Martin (ankle).
Minnesota Vikings: Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (thumb) missed his second consecutive day of practice. If he can’t play Sunday against the New York Giants, the Vikings could be short-handed at the position. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (thigh) returned to practice on a limited basis. Starter Pat Williams (elbow) was limited in practice Thursday and isn’t a sure bet to play.
Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, the Lions sold out Sunday’s season finale. … Safety Louis Delmas (ankle) and linebacker Larry Foote (foot) missed practice. Delmas seems to have a better chance than Foote of playing Sunday.
Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) sat out his second consecutive day of practice, but fellow linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) participated fully. So did left tackle Chad Clifton (knee) and defensive end Johnny Jolly (foot). Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) didn’t practice and doesn’t seem likely to play Sunday at Arizona. The same goes for safety Derrick Martin (ankle).
Minnesota Vikings: Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (thumb) missed his second consecutive day of practice. If he can’t play Sunday against the New York Giants, the Vikings could be short-handed at the position. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (thigh) returned to practice on a limited basis. Starter Pat Williams (elbow) was limited in practice Thursday and isn’t a sure bet to play.
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Greetings from the snowy Upper Midwest. I’ve been in three of the four NFC North locales in the past 36 hours -- Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay -- and I can tell you we’re all getting pretty well socked.
It snowed for most of my drive from the O’Hare area to Green Bay, and flurries are forecast to continue here through Sunday. But we push through such things around here, so in that spirit, let’s catch up on news that has taken place during the holiday weekend.
Chicago Bears: Safety Kevin Payne (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Monday’s game against Minnesota, and fellow safety Al Afalava (knee) is questionable. According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago, Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz might end up being the Bears’ starting safety duo against the Vikings. Receiver Devin Hester (calf) is questionable.
Detroit Lions: The Lions signed free-agent quarterback Patrick Ramsey to give them a full depth chart behind starter Drew Stanton for Sunday’s game at San Francisco. Ramsey takes the roster spot of Matthew Stafford, who was placed on injured reserve this week. … Cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder) won’t play against the 49ers.
Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday’s game against Seattle. His status will be determined Sunday morning. B.J. Raji would start in his place.
Minnesota Vikings: Nose tackle Pat Williams (elbow) is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game but is expected to play.
It snowed for most of my drive from the O’Hare area to Green Bay, and flurries are forecast to continue here through Sunday. But we push through such things around here, so in that spirit, let’s catch up on news that has taken place during the holiday weekend.
Chicago Bears: Safety Kevin Payne (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Monday’s game against Minnesota, and fellow safety Al Afalava (knee) is questionable. According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago, Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz might end up being the Bears’ starting safety duo against the Vikings. Receiver Devin Hester (calf) is questionable.
Detroit Lions: The Lions signed free-agent quarterback Patrick Ramsey to give them a full depth chart behind starter Drew Stanton for Sunday’s game at San Francisco. Ramsey takes the roster spot of Matthew Stafford, who was placed on injured reserve this week. … Cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder) won’t play against the 49ers.
Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday’s game against Seattle. His status will be determined Sunday morning. B.J. Raji would start in his place.
Minnesota Vikings: Nose tackle Pat Williams (elbow) is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game but is expected to play.
As we catch up on some Christmas Eve news, please note that all four NFC North teams have altered their weekly schedule to ensure they won’t practice on Christmas Day.
Chicago Bears: Safeties Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle) missed their second consecutive day of practice. Running back Adrian Peterson (illness) and cornerback Charles Tillman (not injury related) both missed practice. Linebacker Lance Briggs (back) and tight end Desmond Clark (illness) returned to full practice Thursday. Receiver Devin Hester (calf) was limited.
Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, the Lions announced that quarterback Matthew Stafford will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee next Tuesday. Three defensive starters were not on the field during the early portion of practice, according to Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press: Linebacker Larry Foote (foot), safety Louis Delmas (ankles) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder).
Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and cornerback Trevor Ford (knee) did not practice. Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) was limited but is expected to play Sunday against Seattle. Cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis.
Minnesota Vikings: All players participated in at least a portion of practice. … Tailback Adrian Peterson said he loves playing at Soldier Field, where he has rushed for 345 yards and five touchdowns in two previous games. “Just being a Walter Payton fan, I’m always pumped up for that game, especially in Chicago,” Peterson told Minnesota reporters. “It’s also that I love playing on grass fields.”
Chicago Bears: Safeties Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle) missed their second consecutive day of practice. Running back Adrian Peterson (illness) and cornerback Charles Tillman (not injury related) both missed practice. Linebacker Lance Briggs (back) and tight end Desmond Clark (illness) returned to full practice Thursday. Receiver Devin Hester (calf) was limited.
Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, the Lions announced that quarterback Matthew Stafford will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee next Tuesday. Three defensive starters were not on the field during the early portion of practice, according to Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press: Linebacker Larry Foote (foot), safety Louis Delmas (ankles) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder).
Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and cornerback Trevor Ford (knee) did not practice. Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) was limited but is expected to play Sunday against Seattle. Cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis.
Minnesota Vikings: All players participated in at least a portion of practice. … Tailback Adrian Peterson said he loves playing at Soldier Field, where he has rushed for 345 yards and five touchdowns in two previous games. “Just being a Walter Payton fan, I’m always pumped up for that game, especially in Chicago,” Peterson told Minnesota reporters. “It’s also that I love playing on grass fields.”
After Chicago’s 21-14 loss to Green Bay, here are three (mostly) indisputable facts I feel relatively sure about:
And here is one question I’m still asking:
- There has been some debate about assigning blame for quarterback Jay Cutler's two interceptions. Did Cutler make poor throws or did young receivers Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu run poor routes? We may never know the complete answers to those questions, but I’ll say this: Cutler’s mechanics were sub-par in both cases. Feel free to let me know if I’m wrong, but it sure looked like he threw both passes flat-footed. As we’ve discussed many times, footwork is usually the leading indicator of accuracy. In these cases, Cutler didn’t do everything he could have to avoid the interceptions.
- Safety Kevin Payne, who was reinserted into the starting lineup because he is supposed to be a stronger run defender than Danieal Manning, took a bad angle on Ryan Grant's first-quarter touchdown run. Honestly, I feel bad for Payne and everyone else who plays safety in Chicago. The Bears swap out safeties so routinely, as documented by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, that they must look over their shoulders constantly. All defensive backs get beat on occasion must have short memories. In Chicago, the leash is too short.
- I think it’s pretty clear the Bears could have dusted off Aromashodu a little earlier than Week 14. His eight-catch performance came against the NFL’s second-ranked defense, and it was similar to what many observers saw him do during training camp and the preseason. There are ways to employ four receivers even if you don’t use four-receiver sets during games: Creating roles for four players instead of three. Why the Bears felt compelled to limit themselves to Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox for the first 13 weeks of the season is beyond me. It took Hester’s calf injury to get Aromashodu on the field.
And here is one question I’m still asking:
There’s no need to pile on coach Lovie Smith for losing two timeouts on a questionable incompletion in the fourth quarter. We all know he made a big mistake, in part because of disorganization on the sideline. It didn’t impact the outcome of the game and it won’t cost him his job on its own. But I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall in the Bears’ executive suite. What was the reaction of the McCaskey family, of president Ted Phillips and of general manager Jerry Angelo? The franchise shouldn’t be willing to accept that a head coach in his sixth season would have an in-game structure so disorganized that it would lead to that chain of events.
After Chicago’s 17-9 victory over St. Louis, here are three (mostly) indisputable facts I feel relatively sure about:
And here is one question I’m still asking:
- The Bears have changed their safety configurations 19 times under coach Lovie Smith, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, but the latest alteration paid dividends. With Kevin Payne starting at strong safety and rookie Al Afalava at free safety, the Bears held the Rams to 233 total yards. Included in that total was a manageable 112 yards on 28 carries for tailback Steven Jackson. You have to recognize the Rams' offense is a shell of its former explosive self. But Payne is good in run support, and I think Danieal Manning has proved to be no better than average as a free safety. So I’m all in favor of any new lineup change that, if nothing else, could give the Bears some offseason food for thought. In this case: Can Afalava be counted on as an opening day free safety?
- There was nothing positive to glean from the decision to make defensive end Gaines Adams a healthy scratch. Adams has only three tackles in the six games he played since being acquired from Tampa Bay, but this is a time when he should be putting to use the skills he’s learning from defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. Instead, he was inactive for a meaningless game in terms of playoff implications. Perhaps the Bears have decided Adams needs a full offseason before he’s ready to help them, but right now it looks like they wasted their second-round draft pick to acquire him.
- It was interesting to see the Bears move to a rotation between tailbacks Matt Forte (24 carries) and rookie Kahlil Bell (11 carries) in their first game of December. I’m sure this is how coach Lovie Smith envisioned his offense shaping up when the Bears acquired quarterback Jay Cutler: Power running, with Cutler stepping in to make a few more big plays than they got last season with Kyle Orton. A preseason injury to presumptive backup Kevin Jones and a weaker-than-expected offensive line scuttled those plans. But for one day, at least, the Bears had a matchup advantage over their opponent. Tellingly, they used it to run their offense as originally contemplated.
And here is one question I’m still asking:
Was it really necessary to fake what would have been a chip-shot 28-yard field goal in the second quarter? The Bears led 10-0 at the time and no doubt were seeking the knockout punch. I’m sure they weren’t too concerned if the Rams’ anemic offense got the ball back at their 10-yard line. But based on the way their own offense has played recently, weren’t the Bears better off taking the higher percentage? As it turned out, the Rams were one score away from tying the game in the fourth quarter. The actual fake -- a pitch from holder Brad Maynard to tight end Greg Olsen -- was slow to develop and probably won’t strike much fear in the Bears’ future opponents. It didn’t gain a yard.
Catching up on the Friday injury report and other NFC North news:
Chicago Bears: It looks like the Bears will be without tight end Desmond Clark (neck) and safety Kevin Payne (back) on Sunday night against Philadelphia. Both players are listed as doubtful. … The Bears also placed running back Garrett Wolfe (kidney) on injured reserve and promoted running back Khalil Bell from the practice squad.
Detroit Lions: Right guard Stephen Peterman (ankle) is lost for the season. He was placed on injured reserve Friday and replaced on the roster by practice squad receiver Eric Fowler. … Linebacker Ernie Sims (hamstring) and safety Kalvin Pearson (hamstring) were ruled out for Sunday’s game against Cleveland. Other players who could be sidelined by injury include linebacker Zack Follett (neck), defensive end Dewayne White (toe) and receiver/kick returner Derrick Williams (hip).
Green Bay Packers: Center Scott Wells (concussion) returned to practice Friday and coach Mike McCarthy indicated he will start Sunday against San Francisco. That’s a good thing, because backup center Evan Dietrich-Smith (ankle) didn’t practice and is questionable for Sunday’s game. … Tailback Ahman Green strained his groin in practice Thursday and is questionable. … It looks like tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) will be available. … McCarthy said that Mark Tauscher will start at right tackle but didn’t rule out a rotation with rookie T.J. Lang.
Minnesota Vikings: It doesn’t look good for cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) to return to the field Sunday against Seattle. He participated in three days of practice this week, but the Vikings listed him as doubtful for the game. A final determination won’t occur until Sunday, but it appears Winfield will miss his fourth consecutive game. He suffered the injury Oct. 18. … The Vikings also listed receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) as questionable, but he is expected to play.
Chicago Bears: It looks like the Bears will be without tight end Desmond Clark (neck) and safety Kevin Payne (back) on Sunday night against Philadelphia. Both players are listed as doubtful. … The Bears also placed running back Garrett Wolfe (kidney) on injured reserve and promoted running back Khalil Bell from the practice squad.
Detroit Lions: Right guard Stephen Peterman (ankle) is lost for the season. He was placed on injured reserve Friday and replaced on the roster by practice squad receiver Eric Fowler. … Linebacker Ernie Sims (hamstring) and safety Kalvin Pearson (hamstring) were ruled out for Sunday’s game against Cleveland. Other players who could be sidelined by injury include linebacker Zack Follett (neck), defensive end Dewayne White (toe) and receiver/kick returner Derrick Williams (hip).
Green Bay Packers: Center Scott Wells (concussion) returned to practice Friday and coach Mike McCarthy indicated he will start Sunday against San Francisco. That’s a good thing, because backup center Evan Dietrich-Smith (ankle) didn’t practice and is questionable for Sunday’s game. … Tailback Ahman Green strained his groin in practice Thursday and is questionable. … It looks like tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) will be available. … McCarthy said that Mark Tauscher will start at right tackle but didn’t rule out a rotation with rookie T.J. Lang.
Minnesota Vikings: It doesn’t look good for cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) to return to the field Sunday against Seattle. He participated in three days of practice this week, but the Vikings listed him as doubtful for the game. A final determination won’t occur until Sunday, but it appears Winfield will miss his fourth consecutive game. He suffered the injury Oct. 18. … The Vikings also listed receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) as questionable, but he is expected to play.
Checking in on key injury situations as the NFC North practice week begins:
Chicago Bears: Center Olin Kreutz (ribs), tight end Desmond Clark (ribs) and safety Kevin Payne (back) did not practice. Coach Lovie Smith told reporters that he believes Kreutz will play Sunday night against Philadelphia.
Detroit Lions: Safety Kalvin Pearson (hamstring), guard Stephen Peterman (ankle), linebacker Ernie Sims (hamstring), defensive end Dewayne White (toe) and receiver Derrick Williams (hip) all sat out practice. According to John Niyo of the Detroit News, White is the most likely of that group to play Sunday against Cleveland.
Green Bay Packers: Tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) practiced for the first time in three weeks. His availability for Sunday’s game against San Francisco remains in question. … Linebacker Aaron Kampman (concussion) returned to practice after missing one game. … Those who sat out practice include: linebacker Desmond Bishop (ankle), defensive end Cullen Jenkins (ankle) and linebacker Brady Poppinga (quadriceps).
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) participated in practice on a limited basis but said nothing has occurred to suggest he won’t be able to play Sunday against Seattle. A final decision won’t come until Sunday morning, but it appears only a setback will keep Winfield off the field.
Chicago Bears: Center Olin Kreutz (ribs), tight end Desmond Clark (ribs) and safety Kevin Payne (back) did not practice. Coach Lovie Smith told reporters that he believes Kreutz will play Sunday night against Philadelphia.
Detroit Lions: Safety Kalvin Pearson (hamstring), guard Stephen Peterman (ankle), linebacker Ernie Sims (hamstring), defensive end Dewayne White (toe) and receiver Derrick Williams (hip) all sat out practice. According to John Niyo of the Detroit News, White is the most likely of that group to play Sunday against Cleveland.
Green Bay Packers: Tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) practiced for the first time in three weeks. His availability for Sunday’s game against San Francisco remains in question. … Linebacker Aaron Kampman (concussion) returned to practice after missing one game. … Those who sat out practice include: linebacker Desmond Bishop (ankle), defensive end Cullen Jenkins (ankle) and linebacker Brady Poppinga (quadriceps).
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) participated in practice on a limited basis but said nothing has occurred to suggest he won’t be able to play Sunday against Seattle. A final decision won’t come until Sunday morning, but it appears only a setback will keep Winfield off the field.
Thoughts, observations on 49ers vs. Bears
November, 13, 2009
11/13/09
12:04
AM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
Let’s take a closer look at Chicago’s 10-6 loss at San Francisco, beginning with a glance at how our pregame keys played out:
That’s it for now. For regular readers, please note that this post will count as our Week 10 “Third and one” for the Bears.
- As it turned out, the 49ers were an eminently beatable team Thursday night. Their defense put good pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, especially in the second half, but their offense hardly capitalized on five turnovers. And punter Andy Lee’s touchback on a punt from the 36-yard line gave the Bears better field position than they should have had to start their final drive.
- The Bears defense played with an intensity and aggressiveness that we haven’t seen in a while. But in the end, 49ers tailback Frank Gore piled up more yardage than I thought he would, finishing with 104 yards on 25 carries. He was especially effective in helping the 49ers run off more than six minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter.
- San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith didn’t do much to help the 49ers’ cause, and the Bears limited him to 118 yards on 16-of-23 passing. But Chicago only pressured him into one mistake, a poor deep pass that cornerback Zackary Bowman intercepted.
- I urged the Bears to put the game on Cutler’s shoulders on the premise that tailback Matt Forte wouldn’t get enough running room to give them a balanced attack. If the Bears were going to go down, I reasoned, it should be while riding the player they mortgaged their short-term future on. On cue, Forte managed 41 yards on 20 carries. And the Bears went down with Cutler, who threw two interceptions in the end zone and five overall.
- I understand what the NFL Network’s Matt Millen was saying about some of Cutler’s interceptions. All five weren’t solely his fault. But I thought Cutler played with a jacked-up, frenetic pace that led him to overanticipate some passes and force some others. Devin Hester might have bumped into the umpire on one of the interceptions, but Cutler still pushed the ball his way in an undisciplined fashion. In the red zone, Cutler seems so locked in on tight ends -- especially Greg Olsen -- that he doesn’t seem to be seeing the entire field. It sure looked like receiver Earl Bennett was open on the final play.
- I’m sure the Bears defense wishes it had gotten the ball back for its offense sooner in the fourth quarter. But it produced a pretty impressive effort, holding the admittedly lackluster 49ers to 12 first downs and 216 offensive yards. That included several “hello” moments from defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who notched a sack and also had a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. The overall performance came despite the absence of safeties Kevin Payne (back) and Al Afalava (shoulder). Veteran Josh Bullocks was forced into the starting lineup as a result.
- As Pirates4Vikings noted on the previous post, this loss leaves the Bears needing help if they want to win the NFC North. Minnesota can now win the division with three consecutive victories, all at the Metrodome, and two losses by Green Bay over the same stretch.
That’s it for now. For regular readers, please note that this post will count as our Week 10 “Third and one” for the Bears.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert
Chicago Bears: Safety Kevin Payne (back) was ruled out of Thursday night’s game at San Francisco and fellow safety Al Afalava (shoulder) is questionable. That could leave the Bears choosing between Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks as their starter opposite Danieal Manning.
Detroit Lions: Linebackers Larry Foote (knee) and Ernie Sims (hamstring) did not practice. If neither can play, the Lions would likely use rookie DeAndre Levy at middle linebacker and Jordon Dizon in Sims’ spot on the weak side.
Green Bay Packers: Injuries have depleted the Packers’ outside linebacker position. Aaron Kampman (concussion) missed Wednesday’s practice, and Brady Poppinga came up with a quadriceps injury Tuesday and had an MRI on Wednesday. That leaves Brad Jones and Jeremy Thompson on the depth chart, and Jones took most of the snaps Wednesday. Tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) appears to be at least a week away. Right tackles Mark Tauscher (knee) and Allen Barbre (concussion) didn’t practice, leaving rookie T.J. Lang to work at right tackle.
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (sprain) was on the field working with defensive backs at the beginning of practice. Officially, his particiation was “limited.” Receiver Darius Reynaud (hamstring) had full participation for the first time since Week 3.
Chicago Bears: Safety Kevin Payne (back) was ruled out of Thursday night’s game at San Francisco and fellow safety Al Afalava (shoulder) is questionable. That could leave the Bears choosing between Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks as their starter opposite Danieal Manning.
Detroit Lions: Linebackers Larry Foote (knee) and Ernie Sims (hamstring) did not practice. If neither can play, the Lions would likely use rookie DeAndre Levy at middle linebacker and Jordon Dizon in Sims’ spot on the weak side.
Green Bay Packers: Injuries have depleted the Packers’ outside linebacker position. Aaron Kampman (concussion) missed Wednesday’s practice, and Brady Poppinga came up with a quadriceps injury Tuesday and had an MRI on Wednesday. That leaves Brad Jones and Jeremy Thompson on the depth chart, and Jones took most of the snaps Wednesday. Tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) appears to be at least a week away. Right tackles Mark Tauscher (knee) and Allen Barbre (concussion) didn’t practice, leaving rookie T.J. Lang to work at right tackle.
Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (sprain) was on the field working with defensive backs at the beginning of practice. Officially, his particiation was “limited.” Receiver Darius Reynaud (hamstring) had full participation for the first time since Week 3.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kevin Seifert
Seifert joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and children.
