Noots Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS Chicago Bears (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0) By Michael Nudo Jake Delhomme has returned to form (Getty Images). BEARS OFFENSEcolor> vs. PANTHERS DEFENSEcolor> The Bears welcomed back offensive tackle Fred Miller with a one year deal on Wednesday. He’ll provide valuable depth, especially since the Bears are carrying injured rookie Chris Williams on the active roster. John Tait has moved over to the right side and shows up on the report this week with a sore groin. The offensive line faces a different challenge from the Colts. The Panthers boast a gigantic defensive line, anchored by tackle Maake Kemoeatu, who checks in at a robust 6’5” and 345 pounds. Strong side linebacker Na’il Diggs has been recovering from a sore shoulder. The Bears are familiar with Diggs from his Green Bay days. One player they’re even more familiar with will be safety Chris Harris. The former Bear quickly acclimated himself to the Panthers last season, developing into a one man forced fumble factory. Harris stripped Antonio Gates last week in San Diego. Cornerback Chris Gamble scooped up the loose ball and took it in for a 31-yard touchdown. Gamble has a minor arm injury and is easing his way back this week. The Panthers like to run the zone blitz, where they drop Julius Peppers into coverage and blitz a linebacker. This can be extremely effective against inexperienced offensive lines who can be confused in their assignments when changes occur after the snap. Look for the Panthers to test St. Clair and Beekman with an array of blitzes and stunts. On offense, expect the Bears to continue to run the ball until someone can stop them. There wasn’t a need to use much play action last week against the Colts. This could be the week where we see it used more often to open things up downfield. PANTHERS OFFENSEcolor> vs. BEARS DEFENSEcolor> Jake Delhomme missed most of last season with Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. He has displayed his previous form since returning in the preseason. Backup Matt Moore suffered a broken leg and will likely miss a large chunk of the year. Josh McCown is the backup. Wide receiver Steve Smith was suspended for the first two games for fighting with his teammate Ken Lucas. This has provided more opportunities for former Bear Muhsin Muhammad and tight end Dante Rosario (7/96, Td). The Panthers opened up last week with two tight ends, two wide and a single back. Rosario made a clutch touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter to defeat the Chargers last week. He sprained his foot but should be ready to go for this week’s contest. Wide receiver D.J. Hackett and rookie running back Jonathan Stewart have fought their way back from toe injuries. Stewart brings a rare combination of size, speed and strength. Wide receiver/return specialist Ryne Robinson returned to practice this week after missing a huge chunk of the preseason. Rookie right tackle Jeff Otah suffered a minor knee injury in the opener and was replaced by Jeremy Bridges. Otah was able to return later and finish the game. Left guard Travelle Wharton was replaced during the game by Geoff Hangartner as well. Otah and Wharton are expected to be ready for Sunday. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris has a sore ankle and was used sparingly in the Bears’ victory at Indianapolis. Backups Israel Idonije and Marcus Harrison saw heavier doses of playing time. Each made an impact. Lance Briggs is also nursing an ankle injury, but was not limited in the game apart from the few plays he watched from the sideline. Nathan Vasher (shoulder) is not expected to miss any time this week. Defensive player of the week Adewale Ogunleye draws the matchup with Otah. Otah’s size and power will be pitted against Ogunleye’s quickness and guile. Tommie Harris’ various bumps and bruises will dictate a continuing rotation of fresh bodies along the defensive front. With speedster Steve Smith on the sideline, the Bears will have the opportunity to cheat a safety closer to the line to either make plays against the run or to blitz. Keep an eye on Mike Brown and Kevin Payne this week. They were relatively quiet against the aerial assault of the Colts and they should be factors against the Panthers. This will be their time to shine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprout Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Great post, as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears4Ever_34 Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 I always thought Jake Dellhomme was one of the most overrated players in the game, I don't fear him at all, especially with Steve Smith out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noots Posted September 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 I always thought Jake Dellhomme was one of the most overrated players in the game, I don't fear him at all, especially with Steve Smith out. When in doubt, look at the productivity over time. I don't think Delhomme is going to be given a bust in Canton, but I do believe he's a good quarterback. There's 32 teams in this league, and I'd have to think he fits into the top half of that list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 When in doubt, look at the productivity over time. I don't think Delhomme is going to be given a bust in Canton, but I do believe he's a good quarterback. There's 32 teams in this league, and I'd have to think he fits into the top half of that list. Thanks for the update Noots and I agree with you on Delhomme. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flea Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 I always thought Jake Dellhomme was one of the most overrated players in the game, I don't fear him at all, especially with Steve Smith out. Personally I always thought Delhomme was a little under-rated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrackerDog Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 When in doubt, look at the productivity over time. I don't think Delhomme is going to be given a bust in Canton, but I do believe he's a good quarterback. There's 32 teams in this league, and I'd have to think he fits into the top half of that list. Yep. Excellent thread Noots. Thanks for the effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ostrogoth Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Running back Matt Forte was limited in practice Friday with ankle tightness but coach Lovie Smith said there was no chance of him missing Sunday's game at Carolina. "He's limited [Friday]," Smith said, adding that the same approach was taken with cornerback Nathan Vasher, who was held out of parts of practice on Wednesday with a sore shoulder. "Sunday I think we'll have all our guys ready to go." Forte downplayed any problem beyond simple soreness. "I'm fine," he said. "You get bumps and bruises and you've got to take care of them." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrizzlyBear Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Great Post and analysis Noots as always Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Bears 88 Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 I always thought Jake Dellhomme was one of the most overrated players in the game, I don't fear him at all, especially with Steve Smith out. You're just jealous that he's better than Orton. Boo hoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Hochuli 3:16 Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 You're just jealous that he's better than Orton. Boo hoo. What is your deal, dude? He's also better then your wife, Grossman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 I was awaiting your reply... What is your deal, dude? He's also better then your wife, Grossman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixote Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Excellent article Noots. Thanks for your insight into the Bears. I value your opinions very highly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears4Ever_34 Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 You're just jealous that he's better than Orton. Boo hoo. I'd almost rather have Kyle Orton than Jake Dellhomo. He just doesn't appeal to me as being a good quarterback. Him and Sean Alexander have always been on my "Most overrated players" list. Without Steve Smith, Delhomme is very average. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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