Bubble Battles to watch tonight.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 10:02 AM

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,6768113.story

Bears bubble battles

By Dan Pompei, Tribune reporter 9:05 p.m. CDT, August 29, 2012

Armando Allen vs. Lorenzo Booker

Allen gives the Bears more out of the backfield, but Booker provides more help on special teams. If either running back can show something in the area where the other player is stronger, that could be the deciding factor.

Isaiah Frey vs. Greg McCoy

The Bears chose Frey in the sixth round of the draft and McCoy in the seventh, probably with the idea that the best cornerback would stick. The competition has been close, and could be decided against the Browns.

Tyler Clutts vs. Kyle Adams

This is a fullback against a tight end. It's really a matter of how offensive coordinator Mike Tice wants to set up his offense. Adams is more versatile, but the Bears might miss Clutts' backfield blocking.

Jabara Williams vs. Patrick Trahan

These linebackers contributed on special teams last year, and special teams likely will be the deciding factor this season. With the release of Dom DeCicco and the uncertain status of Brian Urlacher, it is possible the Bears will keep both.
Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

**Zelezo Vlk** · 08-30-2012, 10:17 AM

I thought Frey was supposed to be doing very well in camp. Has he been disappointing in the games, or is McCoy better than expected?

**MPBears68** · 08-30-2012, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Zelezo Vlk

I thought Frey was supposed to be doing very well in camp. Has he been disappointing in the games, or is McCoy better than expected?

From what I've seen:

Frey > McCoy

But neither one has exactly lit it up.

Please, please don't get anyone else hurt tonight who would have made the team! I'm bummed about DeCicco...lost a good ST/depth guy there.

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 08-30-2012, 10:56 AM

Adams is more versatile, but the Bears might miss Clutts' backfield blocking.

Who best helps us win games this year? Who will be responsible for us scoring more TD's this year?

Clutts.

He's the missing link we need to make those goal line field goals - turn into goal line TD's. The Cutts/Bush combo is golden. Even if Bush doesn't even get the ball in those situations, it STILL benefits the passing game. Defenses have to fear Clutts/Bush.

Adams? Seriously, what points will HE be scoring this year? I'll bet none.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 10:59 AM

Probably true JABF, but our OC perfers HB TE's more then FB's, and Forte doesn't run well behind FB's as he does out of single sets, so Clutts value drops for 2 reasons.

I hope you're right, I like Clutts, but I think he has an uphill battle.

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 08-30-2012, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Probably true JABF, but our OC perfers HB TE's more then FB's, and Forte doesn't run well behind FB's as he does out of single sets, so Clutts value drops for 2 reasons.

I hope you're right, I like Clutts, but I think he has an uphill battle.

I just simplify this in my own (admittedly simple) mind. Who will be directly or indirectly responsible for putting winning points on the scoreboard? Who will help us actually WIN games? I saw the TD where 260 pound Clutz was lead blocking for 245 pound Bush - and almost felt like crying for joy. It seems like it's been forever since we had a combo like that to punch the ball into the end zone with authority like that.

Money in the bank. Golden.

Adams? I have no problem with us keeping a bench warmer TE. But if you want to do that, then cut another player to make room for a TE toy. That Clutts is one hell of a blocker. He just blows up defenders. A man against boys out there.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 11:18 AM

But he won't be a bench warmer TE, he will be playing the HBack while Either Davis or Spaeth are playing TE.

I don't disagree, I think Clutts is a stud FB, and hope he makes the team, but much like our previous OC's aversion to pass catching TE's and big WR's, the roster on the O side is going to be decided by a guy that perfers HB's to TE's.

**MPBears68** · 08-30-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Probably true JABF, but our OC perfers HB TE's more then FB's, and Forte doesn't run well behind FB's as he does out of single sets, so Clutts value drops for 2 reasons.

I hope you're right, I like Clutts, but I think he has an uphill battle.

KAdams can and will make the PS. Clutts will be gone for good. There's no doubt who we need to keep and why.

**JustAnotherBearsFan99** · 08-30-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

But he won't be a bench warmer TE, he will be playing the HBack while Either Davis or Spaeth are playing TE.

I don't disagree, I think Clutts is a stud FB, and hope he makes the team, but much like our previous OC's aversion to pass catching TE's and big WR's, the roster on the O side is going to be decided by a guy that perfers HB's to TE's.

I understand this. And you're right (and I agree) that it's a scheme decision. I guess my feelings on this are simply "who puts points on the board" for us, in those countless situations where drives stalled in recent years on the goal line? It won't be Adams IMHO. Clutts will be a priceless weapon down there. Even if we don't run the ball, he makes us better. Significantly better.

What impact does that have on your season? It could be the difference between TD's and FG's. The difference between wins and losses. Ultimately it could be the difference between making the playoffs - or not. And in the playoffs, a guy like that, can be the difference between winning & advancing - or going home for the season after a playoff loss.

I just don't see Adams making that kind of an impact. H-back or TE. He's not the same level of weapon as Clutts is.

**MPBears68** · 08-30-2012, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

But he won't be a bench warmer TE, he will be playing the HBack while Either Davis or Spaeth are playing TE.

I don't disagree, I think Clutts is a stud FB, and hope he makes the team, but much like our previous OC's aversion to pass catching TE's and big WR's, the roster on the O side is going to be decided by a guy that perfers HB's to TE's.

Cutler needs to speak up for TC like he did for Sanz. It will be Jay's ass on the ground when blitzes aren't picked up.

Thread: Bubble Battles to watch tonight.

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Bubble Battles to watch tonight.

Posting Permissions