The Answer to the Bears’ Free Safety Problems
Published by Max Kienzler on July 19, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
With the departure of veteran and fan favorite Mike Brown, the Chicago Bears are trying to find a bona fide replacement. They opted to not go the way of the draft (selecting only one STRONG safety in the sixth round), which was smart because the Bears have a great option just sitting there on the bench.
Am I referring to former fifth round pick from LSU, Craig Steltz?
Steltz showed flashes of what he could become when he made a nice interception against the Lions last year.
But he also was in a lot of opposing running back’s highlight videos, so no, I do not mean Steltz.
So does that mean I am referring to Josh Bullocks?
The former starting safety of the New Orleans Saints who was the favorite after the draft to snag the position?
No, and it is for the simple fact that all Saint fans went wild when they heard the announcement that Bullocks had been released. Anyone who can garner that type of reaction from a fanbase for LEAVING is not someone I have the utmost confidence in.
How about Glenn Earl?
A player with a lot of upside, but has been sidelined by injuries for the past few years.
He could make a play for the spot, right…?
EH, wrong.
When the man missed two years due to an injury he suffered trying to tackle Cedric Benson…CEDRIC BENSON…in a preseason game.
Do I really need to continue?
So, of course, it has to be converted corner Corey Graham?
Graham showed some incredible talent last year at corner while filling in for injured starter Nathan Vasher. He covered well, made good plays on the ball, and showed instincts that normally take a few years to develop.
But it is for all these reasons that Graham, IMO, should be at nickle corner until either Vasher or Peanut get hurt again, because one, if not both, are bound to miss time at some point.
Wait, I can’t be talking about Danieal Manning, can I?
The replacement for Hester on kickoff returns showcased his blazing speed and superior athleticism last year and played safety in college.
OK, no.
Danieal Manning is actually the last single person I want back playing safety. I have two images of him at safety:
First is the the finale last season against the Texans, where he went up to help the run and let Andre Johnson run right past him for a TD.
There was nobody within 15 yards of Johnson as he danced in the end zone.
Second was the Super Bowl.
Reggie Wayne.
First quarter…Enough said.
So, who am I referring to?
What player could be this skilled and athletic, but at the same time, be missed by the coaches?
Israel Idonije.
Thats right, the DE/DT hybrid should be at safety. As long as he makes sure no one gets behind him, he’s fine.
I mean heck, the man has an insane wing span of just about 7′, and (even though he weighs in the mid 200s) he also was also fast enough to be tested as a gunner on punt coverage.
And believe me, no one, and I mean NO ONE, will want to catch a slant pass over the middle.
It makes perfect sense.
