Bears still seeking consistency at safety
DBs coach Hoke excited about potential of Conte, Wright but needs to see more production
September 07, 2012|By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter
As dizzying as the Bears' turnover at safety has been, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke looked at it only one way last season: The next man up had to do the job.
Free safety Chris Conte has returned from a preseason shoulder injury to be listed as probable for Sunday's opener against the Colts. That gives the Bears the pairing they expected with Conte, a third-round pick in 2011, next to strong safety Major Wright, a third-round pick in 2010.
After having a new safety combination in six of the first seven games last year, Hoke isn't worried about the carousel spinning. He wants improved play, whatever it takes.
"It's about execution. It's about production," Hoke said. "A lot of those changes, injuries have always played a part (in) that, especially at that position. We ask our guys to do a lot. They are in front a lot. It's not like they sit back in Cover-2 all day. They're involved in the game.
"So the injury part of it is real, and then finding a guy to be consistent and be productive. That's all we're asking."
Chris Harris and Danieal Manning started all 16 games at safety in 2010, but most other seasons under Lovie Smith have been filled with change on the last line of defense. Hoke is excited about the possibility for improvement.
"We expect Chris (Conte) to be a more mature player, a smarter player, absolutely," Hoke said. "He had a nice first year. It was a good start. But now we need more. It's production, tackling, plays on the ball, all those things."
Whenever Hoke talks about Wright, he prefaces his remarks by saying Wright needs to remain healthy after a series of minor injuries in his first two seasons.
"If he stays healthy, he gets more reps, gets to understand football better, gets to play more, gets more opportunities to be productive," Hoke said.
The challenge now is for them to remain on the field.
Blocking back: The Bears drafted Evan Rodriguez as a tight end, but first they sent running backs coach Tim Spencer to work him out to determine if he could handle a blocking role. So it isn't a surprise he's listed on the depth chart as a fullback. How much the fourth-round pick plays in that role remains to be seen.
"Can't complain," Rodriguez said. "I'm on the field, so I'm happy about that. (Offensive coordinator Mike Tice) expects me just to do my job — learn how to become a good lead blocker. I'm going to be in different situations this year, but I guess we'll do it by game plan."
Health beat: Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher had full participation in practice and is probable. Punter Adam Podlesh could complete a swift return from a left hip flexor injury; he's also probable after full participation Friday.
Wide receiver Earl Bennett (limited, probable) was added to the injury report with a hand issue. Running back Lorenzo Booker was listed questionable with a concussion, but he will not play after sitting out all week.
Extra points: The Bears piped in crowd noise during practice this week in preparation for the Soldier Field fans. … Former Bears defensive tackle Brian Price had a tryout for the Vikings on Friday. … Earlier this week the Bears worked out defensive tackle Terrell McClain — a third-round pick of the Panthers in 2011 — tight end Dedrick Epps and former Vikings safety Eric Frampton.
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