Bears' Jennings taking game to another level
Website study shows CB has allowed a 4.9 passer rating against him
By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter
September 25, 2012
Tim Jennings laughed when told of a study by Pro Football Focus that said he is putting up "(Darrelle) Revis-type numbers."
The website's statistical analysis called Jennings' play "freakish" after the Bears cornerback allowed one catch for eight yards against the Rams despite being thrown at nine times. Jennings has surrendered a 4.9 passer rating through three games and leads the NFL with four interceptions.
So will opposing quarterbacks stop throwing his way?
"I hope not," Jennings said.
Jennings admitted dropping "four or five" potential interceptions last season, which made him work on his hands in the offseason. During training camp, he caught about 100 footballs per day from the Jugs machine.
Jennings also was motivated by a one-game benching last season in favor of the now-departed Zack Bowman. He was asked if he viewed the benching as a "threat" from coach Lovie Smith.
"It was not threatening at all, just friendly advice," Jennings said. "He knew I was playing good football. I've got to make the best of those opportunities. Some of them were game-changing. I agreed with him."
Something special: While singling out the play of Jennings and the defensive line, Smith also made a point to mention kicker Robbie Gould.
"He does a lot behind the scenes, and we can really count on him to pull through,'' Smith said.
Gould's 54-yard field goal provided the first points in a 23-6 victory over the Rams. Gould has connected on his last nine attempts from 50-plus yards and is 6-for-6 on field goals this season.
"It's great to hear Coach Smith say that about you,'' Gould said. "I try to be one of the leaders, especially being one of the older guys on the team.''
Injury update: Smith expressed optimism about Matt Forte's recovery from a sprained right ankle but stopped short of saying the Pro Bowl running back would be available Monday against the Cowboys.
"We have an extra day this week, so we're hopeful," Smith said.
Michael Bush started for Forte on Sunday and gained 55 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. Bush, however, carried only four times in the second half as Kahlil Bell stepped in. Smith wouldn't say whether Bush was injured.
"We have a lot of guys who got a little banged up yesterday," Smith said. "We were playing Kahlil Bell before (the second half). Mike took some good shots. He came out one play on a hard hit.''
Smith did not provide injury details about fullback Evan Rodriguez except to say the rookie "hurt his knee a little bit.''
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