Corey Graham Increasing His Value and Other Updates.........

Bears' Graham increasing value

Special teams stalwart showing he can be factor at nickel back

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...0-01183426.gif DB Corey Graham (21) works with assistant coach Mikal Smith during practice Thursday at Halas Hall. (Phil Velasquez/Tribune photo)

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter December 2, 2011


Corey Graham should be a candidate for the Pro Bowl in terms of his special teams play, but his steady progress on defense has started to turn heads too.

The fifth-year defensive back enters Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs at Soldier Field on a streak of three games with an interception. Graham will remain in the nickel back role with D.J. Moore expected to miss his third consecutive game with a sprained left ankle.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli beamed when discussing Graham's emergence.
"I've seen production, and he's really a very good tackler,'' Marinelli said. "He's such a fine tackler in space.''

It's hard to believe Graham didn't get a serious look on defense last season."This league is all about opportunities,'' Marinelli said. "When you get the opportunity, you have to make a statement.''Graham's statement has been loud and clear.

Personal matters:

Receiver/kick returner Devin Hester was excused for a portion of practice to attend to a personal matter. It likely was related the court case involving the man charged with assaulting Hester in October.

Danieal Rago pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery Thursday. He slapped Hester in the back of the head at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.Rago was sentenced to one year probation and 80 hours of community service. He was also ordered to be evaluated for anger management and pay $315 in court fees and fines.

Hester declined comment on the matter when approached after practice.

Injury update:

Nose tackle Anthony Adams, who had full participation in practice Wednesday, was held out Thursday with a back issue. Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) and cornerback Zack Bowman (groin) had full participation, while Moore was limited again.

For the Chiefs, guard Ryan Lilja (head) and center Casey Wiegmann (finger) were limited. Linebacker Demorrio Williams (groin) returned to full participation.

Security measures:

Bears fans will be subjected to increased security at some gates beginning Sunday, per NFL recommendations. Security personnel may scan fans using handheld metal detectors. Fans could be asked to remove all metal from their pockets and person and hold the items in their hands as they undergo screening.

Pat-downs will remain at most entry points this Sunday without handheld wands. The game day bag policy remains in place at all entry points. Those unwilling to consent to security procedures may be denied entry.

Extra points:

Brian Urlacher on facing former teammate Thomas Jones Sunday: "He was great. I loved Thomas when he was here. Class of 2000, too. We were drafted the same year. … Good to see him still in the league doing well.'' … Smith said players such as Jabara Williams, Patrick Trahan and Kahlil Bell have to step up on special teams to compensate for the loss of Brian Iwuh, who was waived/injured earlier this week with a hamstring injury.


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I generally don't like to see players lose a starting position due to injury, but when DJ is healthy, I think Graham still may need to remain the starting Nickel.

Nice to see Corey Graham out of Lovie's doghouse and on the field showing that he can become a defensive regular. This should earn him a trip to the Pro-Bowl and a contract extension if we're smart. Given his level of play at NB is think he should be considered the first in CB after and injury to either Jennings or Peanut. He's only 26 and if we can depend on him as well out on the edge as we can inside at NB that's one less concern we have in the secondary. The guy deserves all the accolades Marinelli heaps on him. He's been outstanding as Moore's replacement.

On the injure front it no longer a big deal losing AA. Toe is back and Paea is proving to be a good pass rusher so we have the perfect NT combo. Toe is a great run player and I think his return is one reason why the run defense has tightened up and Paea is a mad man on the rush. He's very hard to block one on one.

It's tough to lose Iwuh especially with Graham pulling full time duty at NB so Lovie is right. One of those two LB's need to prove they belong on the field and maybe win themselves a shot at a roster spot for next year. Bell has already proven that with his running ability now he needs to prove he can play ST like AP used to do.