BEARS IN BRIEF: Preventing picks part of the job, Knox says

November 6, 2010
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com
Johnny Knox lamented that he didn't do more against the Washington Redskins, although he turned in one of his best games as a receiver.
Knox, who led the team with six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, also was targeted on three of Jay Cutler's four interceptions, including one that was returned 92 yards by DeAngelo Hall for a touchdown.

''You always think you could have done something better. If I would have felt where DeAngelo was at certain times, I felt I could have broke the ball up,'' Knox said. ''Or that last play, I feel I could have defended the ball a little better.''
Knox noted that the Redskins seemed to do a good job of being in the right places. On one play, Knox was running a slant pattern, but Hall was positioned near the point he was supposed to be and intercepted the pass.
''He just made a great play,'' Knox said.
Hall had just one interception entering the Oct. 24 game against the Bears, but had 24 interceptions in the previous six seasons.
The Bears receivers don't specifically practice defending passes, but Knox said it's just a part of the position.
''When a ball's in the air, you either become a receiver or a DB,'' Knox said.
Wright ready
Bears rookie Major Wright, who has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury, is expected to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Asked how he feels, Wright said, ''Real good. Real good. It feels real good to be back out there.''
Wright certainly will play on special teams and likely also get some snaps on defense.
''Well, I just want to play my role on special teams. And if I do get a chance on defense, go out there and play hard,'' Wright said.
Wright said he's never felt this fresh this deep into a season, but he said he's ''full go'' and isn't second-guessing his hamstring at all.
Veterans Chris Harris and Danieal Manning have been solid, but Wright could bring some energy to a unit that has just one interception.
Webb playing catch-up
As he prepares for his fourth NFL start, rookie right tackle J'Marcus Webb will benefit from playing next to veteran Roberto Garza.
The challenge for Webb has been recognizing blitzes that he didn't see at West Texas A&M, a Division II football program.
''I'm new to a lot of different things, a lot of stuff we didn't see,'' Webb said.
Playing alongside a veteran like Garza could give the young player more confidence, which could mean he plays faster.
''You can't overstate it,'' Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Wednesday.
Injury update
Bears cornerback Zack Bowman has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a foot injury. Tight end Desmond Clark is questionable because of a neck injury.
Linebacker Lance Briggs fully practiced on Thursday and Friday, and he's listed as probable.


http://www.suntimes.com/sports/footb...arnt06.article