Marshall, Jeffery will pose match-up problems
Marshall, Jeffery will pose match-up problems
Quote:
New receivers will pose problems
Things are looking up for the Bears at the receiver position, both figuratively and literally, thanks to the acquisition of 6-foot-4 veteran Brandon Marshall and 6-3 rookie Alshon Jeffery.
The Bears traded for Marshall and selected Jeffery in the second round of the draft. Putting both players on the field together should provide match-up problems for opposing defenses, who may also have to contend with 6-7 tight ends Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth. “As a defensive-thinking coach, it’s pretty hard [to defend],” said coach Lovie Smith. “Just look at the size of the corners. They’re not 6-3, 6-4. Most corners in the league are under six feet.
"So that does cause problems. That’s why we’re pretty excited about how we’ve given our receiver corps a different look with Brandon Marshall and also Alshon coming in. I’m anxious to see how teams do deal with it. It should cause hopefully a lot of problems to open up that running game a little bit more.”
Of the 26 cornerbacks who started against the Bears last season, 19 were six feet tall or under. The only team that started two cornerbacks who were both at least 6-1 was the Seahawks.
Perfect fit: Smith is baffled that some observers are convinced that first-round pick Shea McClellin, a defensive end from Boise State, isn’t big enough to stop the run in the NFL.
“First off, you have to explain that, how a 6-3, 260-pound guy is going to have trouble doing that,” Smith said. “Weight is one of the most overrated things that there is when you’re talking about a football player. You’re talking about strength and athletic ability more than that.
“We’re not a two-gap, hit-guys-right-down-the-middle [defense]. We don’t play that style of ball. We’re get-on-the-edge, maintain-your gap. A defensive end that’s 6-3, 260 pounds can do that easily. So that is no concern at all. Shea, believe me, will be able to hold his own with the big boys that he’s playing.”
Value picks: The main reason the Bears didn’t draft an offensive lineman was that they didn’t want to reach for one and pass over another prospect with a higher grade.
“What leads you to not draft a specific position—and you have to look at all the positions—is what players are on the board that can get us there the quickest,” said general manager Phil Emery. “You take the best player that’s going to make the most plays for you, that gives you the best chance of winning.”
The Bears are confident in their offensive line, which will be buoyed by the return of former first-round picks Chris Williams (2008) and Gabe Carimi (2011) from injuries. Four others—Roberto Garza, Lance Louis, Chris Spencer and Edwin Williams—started games last year for the Bears, who also added guard Chilo Rachal in free agency.
“There’s a period of time you might have forgotten [last] season where we played pretty good ball on the offensive line,” Smith said. “We’ve added a couple guys and there are still a few options out there too. Believe me, we want to do everything we can to open up holes for our running backs and of course protect Jay Cutler, and we feel like we’ll be able to do that.”
No issues: Fourth-round pick Evan Rodriguez was involved in a couple off-the-field incidents in college. But Smith isn’t concerned that the tight end from Temple will cause any problems.
“We do our research and we get comfortable with players once we’ve done our research and it comes out OK, and that’s the case with him.” Smith said. “I feel like we have an excellent locker room also.
“It’s not like we’re trying to bring in all choir boys that have never done anything in their life. Sometimes you’re dealing with young men and they make some mistakes.
“He’s acknowledged a few of the things that he would like to do a little bit better. We feel comfortable with that. We think that he will represent Chicago very well.”
