Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on July 27, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears cornerbacks should be feeling a little bit easier this season as now that the Bears have gone out and grabbed someone who can provide a pass rush to help keep pressure off of Chicago’s cornerbacks.  If Julius Peppers does everything as advertised it could be a much better year for the guys in the secondary.

If there is one thing that has plagued this position over the past few years it’s been injuries.  Both starters Zack Bowman and Charles Tillman have suffered injuries at critical times during the past two seasons and they both need to stay healthy in order for the Bears to find success at the position.

Tillman is known for being the Bears’ best cornerback as well as one of the best turnover generating players in the NFL.  Tillman has consistently been able to get turnovers on defense and they come at crucial times.  With him in the lineup the secondary plays better and the coaching staff feels much more secure.  But with his injury history and the fear that some of his injuries have taken their toll, we wonder just how long he will be able to stay healthy in the lineup. 

Bowman has had his problems with injuries as well, but appears to be the healthier of the two right now.  Bowman had a solid yet quiet season for the Bears last year and led them in interceptions.  There is some indication that he may get pressed by newly acquired free agent (from Indianapolis) Tim Jennings.  There are many prognosticators that feel that Jennings doesn’t have what it takes to be a regular starting cornerback in the NFL, but if you look at what he did with the Colts (in 2009 Jennings played in a total of 15 games, starting five and had 57 tackles, ten passes defended and two interceptions). 

So despite what so many say, Jennings could end up making a difference in 2010.  As long as he can keep pressure on the guys ahead of him he should be able to make the team and could be called upon to do some things as the season wears on.  He is definitely someone to keep an eye on.

2010 draft pick Joshua Moore comes in as a backup this season with some promise to see some time in the nickel and on special teams.  With some development, Moore could turn into a serviceable backup, but is just a little too raw to be a starter at this time.  Look for him to develop while contributing on special teams this season.

Corey Graham returns once again to be a backup (and a possible starter as needed) and the Bears have quietly relied on him each and every season he has been with the team.  While he is nothing to write home about, he’s definitely been effective in a pinch and could step in and start if needed.  Unless someone else comes along and pushes him out of his spot he should remain with the team in 2010.

D.J. Moore is pretty much going to have to have an outstanding camp in order to make the squad at the end of training camp this summer.  The biggest knock on Moore has been his size and he will have to prove that his size won’t be that big of an issue if he’s called upon to play.  He will be another one of many interesting players to watch in training camp this summer.

The Bears really liked Woodny Turenne last year during training camp and if he can push things a little bit more this training camp then he might be able to make the roster.  He could supplant D.J. Moore and be a backup on the team.  Good special teams play will help him out a lot (in making the team).

The Bears also have Cornelius Brown in camp to help add some competition at the position, but he is most likely just going to be some additional depth in camp and won’t be able to compete for an active roster spot when it’s all said and done.  You never know with the Bears.

Chicago is and isn’t set at the cornerback position heading into training camp.  Granted, they have their two top players (Bowman and Tillman) healthy and ready to go, but if either of these guys get’s injured then there is little adequate depth behind them to compensate.  The Bears do have someone in Jennings that can step in and start and at least play the position effectively but he has to make the roster. 

The Bears may look at trying to bring in a veteran cornerback during training camp and will probably keep a close watch on the waiver wire for any prospects that might interest them.  They realize their needs at the position, but just haven’t done enough about getting some help there.  Perhaps after seeing what they have in training camp, they will before the season starts.

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