Could Josh Freeman Expose Bears’ Safeties?
October 22nd, 2011Joe thought the Bucs safety position was a revolving door. From Cody Grimm to Corey Lynch to Tanard Jackson, it seems the Bucs have had a different starting safety each game.
The same could almost be said for the Bears. It appears Major Wright has a major hip injury and is likely to miss Sunday’s game. Enter Chris Harris who has gone within a week from demanding a trade to starting for the Bears, so documents Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune.
“As I said last week, each week your role changes,” Smith said. “Chris Harris and the rest of our players realize that. Chris last week after I told him his role would be different, he was on the sideline coaching the guys up. I think all of our players are ready for me and us to tell them what they will be doing this week and they’re going to do the best of their ability to get that done.”
Of course, Smith conveniently omits that after coaching guys up on the sideline, Harris sought a chance to play for a different team. But he’s a pro and he knows the defense. The Bears have used five different safety combinations through six games and a Harris-Chris Conte pairing would be a sixth.
“Obviously there hasn’t been consistency,” cornerback Charles Tillman said. “I think we’d all like to see consistency. We’ll just see what happens.”
Joe wonders if perhaps Greg Olson will actually try to take advantage of this? Joe knows how much Freeman tries to get Kellen Winslow the ball. So could this be a splash play tomorrow, or perhaps would Arrelious Benn get touches over the middle?
Of course, Harris knows the Bucs well, having started for the Panthers for three years. Could Harris actually be an upgrade for the Bears?
October 22nd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
I doubt it. I thought that for the most part that Olsen called a bad game last week. He NEVER got Freeman out of the pocket either in quarter and half rolls or on play action. With so many Saints defenders routinely coming up the middle on blitzes it is an obvious and logical step to trap extra defenders inside and give time for plays to open up downfield.
October 22nd, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Cliff Harris? He must be in his fifties! Go deep on him Josh, GO DEEP!!!!
GO BUCS!!!
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
The answer to your question is yes. Everyone has exploited Chicago’s safeties this year. They all suck. Corners aren’t much to look at either for that matter. Chicago is all about the front seven and their linebacker core in particular is as good as any in the league. Graham may have a bit rougher time of it this week and Freeman will have to compensate with a big game. TD’s not field goals baby.