Knox Pleased to Compete for Starting Job Again.............

**soulman** · 08-27-2011, 10:34 AM

Knox on starting WR job: 'I'm just glad there is a competition'

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Johnny Knox vs. Roy Williams. (US Presswire photos)

By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter 1:57 p.m. CDT, August 25, 2011

Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake clearly left the door open for Johnny Knox to regain his starting job over Roy Williams. And Knox is more than ready to seize the opportunity.

"Yes, most definitely I want to start,'' Knox said Thursday. "I started last year. I want to start this year, but I know it's going to take a competition to do that.''

Drake wasn't pleased with Williams' effort in Monday night's 41-13 exhibition loss to the Giants. The veteran receiver was targeted three times without a catch and he bobbled one opportunity.

"What Roy has to understand is Johnny Knox will be in there if things don't get better, in a hurry,'' Drake said Wednesday.

The coach went on to explain how Knox has accepted his demotion well and taken it as a personal challenge, studying his playbook more often and compiling better notes in the class room.

"Starting or not, I was motivated from the beginning,'' Knox said. "There's always going to be competition. I'm just glad there is a competition.

"You could say the (playbook issues), that was being young. But that's in the past. I've grown up. I'm mature. I know how to approach this business a little bit better now.''

Knox started 16 games last season and led the team with 960 receiving yards. This preseason, he's been running with the second unit while working as the primary return man.

Drake somewhat called out Knox during training camp, while offensive coordinator Mike Martz claimed the starting job was handed to Knox last season as a result of his blazing speed.

"You have to be able to accept criticism,'' Knox said. "When somebody corrects you or disciplines you, you have to be willing to accept it and learn from it.''

vxmcclure@tribune.com

twitter@vxmcclure23

Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune
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4.41 from 17 ratings

**soulman** · 08-27-2011, 10:39 AM

Glad to see that it's back to open competition again and that Drake has chimed in on Knox's side. I guess when Martz says that players need to earn their jobs he meant everyone else but Roy Williams. Really smart motivational move there Mike. You dress down Hanie and Knox in public yet you have nothing to say about "coaches pet" personally. It figures.

If Rwill even makes the roster I hope that Knox and the others keep him buried so deep that he'll be begging to cover punts just to have a chance to get on the field. Damn but I dislike that arrogant prick.

**The Benjamin** · 08-27-2011, 10:45 AM

I believe Drake also degraded Knox when Williams was first signed as well.

But RW should never have been signed. He is garbage.

**soulman** · 08-27-2011, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by The Benjamin

I believe Drake also degraded Knox when Williams was first signed as well.

But RW should never have been signed. He is garbage.

He said he had some things yet to learn and along with that Martz claimed the only reason that Knox started last season was due to his speed. All that was is a CYA for his decsion to install RWill ahead of him by claiming he never really won his spot at all. More Martz bullshit.

To Knox's credit he learning exactly what the coaches are looking for and expect from him. I have no doubt that he'll get his starting spot back. RWill is already used to playing behind guys who have proven better in Dallas and I doubt he cares anymore about it here than he did there. You're right Benji. Signing this asshat was a horrible move.

**motownbear** · 08-27-2011, 11:00 AM

its so funny they hand the job to RW and now they see what the whole NFL nation see that RW is a hack so now there is a competition. You go on the cheaps it wont work didnt the dynamic duo of Lloyd and Booker prove that already?

**soulman** · 08-27-2011, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by motownbear

its so funny they hand the job to RW and now they see what the whole NFL nation see that RW is a hack so now there is a competition. You go on the cheaps it wont work didnt the dynamic duo of Lloyd and Booker prove that already?

Isn't it amazing how JA will never spend top dollar, or even middle dollar, on any WR or OG? He's always scrimping on these two spots even when he finally has a QB who could make a difference if we had a true game breaker as #1 WR.

I loved the comments that McNeil made in his article. Did Martz really believe that he could do what the coaches in Dallas couldn't do for the past three years and that's make a motivated #1 guy out of RWill? Well of course the answer is a resounding yes. That's just what Mr. Arrogance thought and he even convinced JA of it mental midget that he can be sometimes.

I just can't believe the stones on that tool Williams. He waltzes in to a starting position and then does jack shit to show that he can handle it but still expects it because he's a diva. If they keep him and cut Sanz you will all see my name in headlines in the Trib because I will drive to Chicago and personally cut out Mike Martz's heart.