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21. TE Zach Miller (Oakland)- signed in Seattle 5 years 34 million 17 million guaranteed

In 4 seasons, Zach Miller has caught 226 balls for 2712 yards and 12 scores. Not bad considering how terrible Oakland’s quarterbacks have been in those 4 years. He’s one of the best young tight ends in the game.

22. OLB/RLB Kamerion Wimbley (Oakland) resigned 5 years 48 million 29 million guaranteed

I was doubtful about how effective he’d be in a 4-3 in his first year in Oakland, but as a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker, Wimbley led the team with 9.5 sacks and was a good strong side linebacker against the run to boot.

23. NT Paul Solial (Miami)- Franchised

With Jason Ferguson out of the picture, Solial proved to be one of the best young nose tackles in the game. He was the rock in the middle of their defense and that’s why their run defense was one of the best in the league. He’ll get his money.

24. MLB Paul Posluszky (Buffalo)- signed with Jacksonville 6 years 42 million

Posluszky had 155 tackles last year, 2^nd most in the league, and has 375 tackles in 3 years as a starter. He also has experience in a 3-4 and a 4-3.

25. DE Ray Edwards (Minnesota)- signed with Atlanta 5 years 30 million 11 million guaranteed

How will he do without Jared Allen and the Williams Wall? We may find out this offseason. The Vikings seem prepared to let Edwards, who has 16.5 sacks in the last 2 seasons and who dominated in their run to the NFC Championship game in 2009, walk this offseason. I have my doubts about him as a #1 pass rusher, but I have a feeling someone will overpay him.

 

26. DT Barry Cofield (NY Giants)- signed with Washington 6 years 36 million 12.5 million guaranteed

A dominating run stuffer, Cofield had a career sack 4 sacks this year as well. He’s only 27 this offseason and has a fine future ahead of him.

27. RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NY Giants)- Resigned 4 years 18 million 9 million guaranteed

Bradshaw had 1549 total yards and 8 total touchdowns this year, but there are major concerns about his ability to hold onto the football (7 fumbles this year) and about his ability to carry the load and stay healthy.

28. OT Jammal Brown (Washington)- Resigned 5 years 27.5 million 8 million guaranteed

Brown missed all of 2009 with an injury and struggled early in 2010 before settling down late in the season. He was one of the best left tackles in the league in 2008 before he got hurt.

29. DT/NT Brandon Mebane (Seattle)- Resigned 5 years 25 million 9 million guaranteed

One of the best run stuffers in the league as the Seahawks run defense was noticeably worse when he was out of the lineup. He also has 11 sacks in 4 seasons so he can do that a little as well.

30. S Eric Weddle (San Diego)- resigned 5 years 40 million 19 million guaranteed

A stat sheet stuffer with 358 tackles, 4 sacks, and 6 picks in 4 seasons with the Chargers.

 

 

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11. G Logan Mankins (New England)- resigned 6 years, 51 million, 30 million guaranteed

Mankins was thrown right into the action midseason after finally signing his tender and he still looked like one of the best interior linemen in the game. He’ll get paid somewhere eventually.

12. MLB David Harris (NY Jets)- resigned 4 years 36 million 29.5 million guaranteed

Harris is one of the better inside linebackers in the game. In 4 years with the Jets he has 428 tackles and 14.5 sacks.

13. CB Jonathan Joseph (Cincinnati)- signed with Houston 5 years 48.75 million 23.5 million guaranteed

Joseph is one of the most underrated shutdown corners in the league when healthy and could be a #1 guy in a lot of places, but he had trouble staying healthy last year. He also indicated he wanted a longterm extension in Cincinnati.

14. C Ryan Kalil (Carolina)- resigned 6 years 49 million 28 million guaranteed

This is the best center in the game. Hands down.

15. DE Charles Johnson (Carolina)- resigned 6 years 72 million 30 million guaranteed

Johnson, a 2007 3^rd round pick, finally lived up to his potential in 2010 after Julius Peppers left, with 11.5 sacks. Just in time to leave Carolina. That sound you just heard was a bunch of Panthers fans jumping off a bridge.

 

16. OLB Chad Greenway (Minnesota)- Franchised

Greenway was all over the place last year with 144 tackles, good for 4^th most in the league. He has 463 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 4 seasons.

17. OT/G Willie Colon (Pittsburgh)- resigned with Pittsburgh 5 years 29 million

He was hurt all season in 2010, but this is the best pure run blocking right tackle in the league when healthy.

18. 3-4 DE/DT Shaun Ellis (NY Jets)- signed with New England 1 year 4 million

Ellis turned in another fine season in 2010 and dominated New England’s line in their AFC Divisional win, but he’s 34 in June and the Jets have other free agent needs.

19. WR Vincent Jackson (San Diego)- Franchised

He has character and attitude issues, but he had 1000+ yard seasons in 2008 and 2009 and was dominant in short bursts this season, in between injuries and contract disputes.

20. MLB Stephen Tulloch (Tennessee)- Signed with Detroit 1 year 3.35 million 1.8 million guaranteed

Tulloch broke out in 2009 and has 280 tackles in the last 2 tackles. He was 2^nd in the league with 159 this year. He struggles in coverage occasionally, but I’m nitpicking.

 

 

What if free agency worked like the draft? 

Rules:

Only unrestricted free agents

Only players not under contract- players who have been franchised or recently extended don’t count

1. Indianapolis Colts- RLB Mario Williams (Houston)

Peyton Manning is my top rated free agent, but the Colts just cut him so it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for them to take him back. Mario Williams is my #2 free agent and he makes a lot of sense here. He’s one of the best pass rushers to hit the open market this decade and the Colts would be stealing him from a divisional rival. Robert Mathis is getting older and Dwight Freeney could be traded before the draft so Mario Williams fits a need as well and has experienced in whatever defensive scheme the Colts decide to run next season.

2. St. Louis Rams- G Carl Nicks (New Orleans)

Peyton Manning doesn’t make a whole lot of sense here either so they go to my #3 rated of the remaining free agents, Carl Nicks. Jacob Bell is as good as gone at left guard and Nicks would be a huge upgrade at the position for them. He’s arguably the best guard in the league and the Rams really need help on the offensive line.

3. Minnesota Vikings- WR Vincent Jackson (San Diego)

I thought about Peyton Manning here, but the Vikings haven’t really shown that much interest in him and probably for the same reason they haven’t shown a whole lot of interest in trading up to get Robert Griffin or even drafting him if he falls to them at #3. Christian Ponder is their guy. Given that, I’m sure they’d love to get their hands on Vincent Jackson, the top remaining wide receiver on the open market.

4. Cleveland Browns- QB Peyton Manning (Indianapolis)

Cleveland has interest in Peyton Manning, but it’s highly unlikely he goes there. Manning won’t want to go to such a desolate place when he has a choice between the money in Washington and the opportunity to throw to Brandon Marshall or Larry Fitzgerald in Miami and Arizona respectively. However, he doesn’t have a choice here and the Browns would love if he was in their uniform for next season.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- MLB Stephen Tulloch (Detroit)

The Buccaneers need major help in their back 7 and Stephen Tulloch is the top rated back 7 player in this draft class. He would provide an instant upgrade at middle linebacker and allow Mason Foster to move outside to his natural position.

6. Washington Redskins- WR Marques Colston (New Orleans)

The Redskins have money to play with and are known to be interested in signing one of the market’s top receivers. They’ve been linked to Vincent Jackson, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind settling for Marques Colston.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Cortland Finnegan (Tennessee)

They desperately need offensive help, but by my board, most of the best available are defensive players except Chris Myers, who doesn’t really fill a need at center. Cortland Finnegan is the best available and also fills a need. Rashean Mathis is a free agent and a declining player coming off a major injury. Cortland Finnegan would give them an upgrade opposite Derek Cox.

8. Miami Dolphins- MLB Curtis Lofton (Atlanta)

Best player available who makes any sense for them as Chris Myers again wouldn’t fill a need at center. The Dolphins have two of their linebackers for their 4-3 defense, Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett, and are expected to use Koa Misi as the 3^rd. However, I think Curtis Lofton would be a huge upgrade over Misi. Lofton can play in the middle with Burnett and Dansby on the outside.

9. Carolina Panthers- DT Sione Pouha (NY Jets)

The Panthers have huge needs at defensive tackle and cornerback. Brandon Carr would fill that need at cornerback, but Sione Pouha would also fill their need at defensive tackle and I have him higher on my free agency board. They drafted Sione Fua and Terrell McClain in the 3^rd round last year, but neither of them did anything. Pouha would be an instant upgrade.

10. Buffalo Bills- CB Brandon Carr (Kansas City)

Buddy Nix mentioned adding another cornerback as a draft need of theirs. It’s not their biggest need, but at the same time, Brandon Carr would be their best cornerback and he is the best available player who makes any sense.

11. Kansas City Chiefs- C Chris Myers (Houston)

Casey Wiegmann turns 39 in July so he won’t be around too much longer. The Chiefs drafted Rodney Hudson in the 2^nd round last year to be his successor, but this way they can keep him at guard long term. Chris Myers is best available and fills a need.

12. Seattle Seahawks- MLB London Fletcher (Washington)

The Seahawks could easily lose David Hawthorne this offseason. London Fletcher is rated higher on my free agency board than Hawthorne so the Redskins take him here instead.

13. Arizona Cardinals- QB Alex Smith (San Francisco)

The Cardinals gave up the farm for Kevin Kolb last offseason, but they still need a long term solution at quarterback. They want Peyton Manning, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind stealing Alex Smith from a division rival.

14. Dallas Cowboys- G Ben Grubbs (Baltimore)

The Cowboys have two good tackles in Doug Free and Tyron Smith, but the interior of their offensive line is a mess. They’re going to be one of the leading suitors for Carl Nicks. Here they get Ben Grubbs, the #2 guard on the market.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- MLB David Hawthorne (Seattle)

The Eagles have a desperate need for a middle linebacker and are expected to sign either Stephen Tulloch or Curtis Lofton. Here they have to “settle” for David Hawthorne, but I guess that’s not so bad.

16. New York Jets- WR Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis)

The Jets aren’t expected to resign Plaxico Burress so they sign Brandon Lloyd to play opposite Santonio Holmes. So they take Brandon Lloyd here and keep him away from division rival New England, who is expected to be his leading suitor.

 

17. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Carlos Rogers (San Francisco)

Leon Hall is no sure thing in 2012 after tearing his Achilles late in the 2011 season. Meanwhile, Nate Clements is a marginal player on the decline. Carlos Rogers gives them another cornerback in the mix and is the best player available who makes sense.

18. San Diego Chargers- RLB Mark Anderson (New England)

I have John Abraham and Jeremy Mincey rated higher on my board as pass rushers, but Mark Anderson is close behind them and I trust him more in a 3-4 scheme like the Chargers run because of his athleticism and quickness. The Chargers really need to find a pass rusher this offseason. They’ll go after Mario Williams and if they can’t get him, expect them to use an early pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on a rush linebacker.

19. Chicago Bears- DE John Abraham (Atlanta)

Abraham has been passed up by a few teams because of lack of need and questions about how he’d fit in a 3-4 scheme, but the Bears run a 4-3 and could use a pass rusher like Abraham. Isreal Idonije is a marginal free agent and opposing quarterbacks would shit their pants knowing that the Bears would have both Julius Peppers and John Abraham. Even at 34 in May, Abraham is still a talented pass rusher who had 9.5 sacks last season. He’s also the active leader in sacks and 16^th all-time, believe it or not.

20. Tennessee Titans- DE Jeremy Mincey (Jacksonville)

Jeremy Mincey is another player who has been passed on for lack of need and scheme fit, but the Titans were one of the worst pass rushing teams in the league last year and seeing as they run a 4-3, they’d love to steal Mincey away from division rival Jacksonville. Mincey had 8 sacks in a breakout season for the Jaguars in 2011.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- RB Michael Bush (Oakland)

The Bengals are likely to add Michael Bush in free agency. They can offer him the most money and the biggest share of the carries. They get him here too as he’s the best available player who makes sense.

22. Cleveland Browns- WR Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis)

The Browns already got Peyton Manning. Why not take one of his wide receivers as well? Reggie Wayne is a possibility here as well because of the fit with Peyton Manning, but Garcon is younger and higher on my board. In fact, he’s the best available player who makes any sense for the Browns, who are starved for offensive playmakers.

23. Detroit Lions- C Scott Wells (Green Bay)

Scott Wells is the best available and falls to Detroit because of his position. However, Dominic Raiola is on the decline in Detroit and I’m sure the Lions would love to steal one of the best centers in the league from division rival Detroit.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- NT Paul Soliai (Miami)

The Steelers age is catching up with them on defense. They had to cut James Farrior, while Casey Hampton won’t be around any longer than a season. Hampton will be a 35 year old free agent next offseason and while middle linebacker is a more pressing need after Farrior was cut, nose tackle is a need as well and Soliai is higher on my board than any middle linebacker left. Soliai is still young and would be a nose tackle of the future for Pittsburgh. He won’t be back in Miami, but not for lack of talent. He just isn’t a good fit for their new 4-3 defense.

25. Denver Broncos- WR Mario Manningham (NY Giants)

I’m sure Tebow would love someone else to throw to other than Demaryius Thomas. Mario Manningham won’t be back in New York because they won’t pay Manningham #2 receiver money to be their #3 receiver, but the Broncos could certainly use him.

26. Houston Texans- C Nick Hardwick (San Diego)

The Texans lose Chris Myers in this one, but they sign Nick Hardwick to be his replacement, which makes the loss of Myers more bearable. Hardwick is the best available who makes any sense.

27. New England Patriots- 3-4 DE Red Bryant (Seattle)

I like the fit of Bryant in New England. He can play both defensive tackle and defensive end in a 4-3 and he can also play 3-4 defensive end. The Patriots could use a hybrid defensive scheme in 2012 and Bryant would be a great fit for it at a position of need.

28. Green Bay Packers- RLB Jarret Johnson (Baltimore)

Johnson falls because of questions about his position. He played both 4-3 and 3-4 outside linebacker for Baltimore last season, but he doesn’t have a true position. He’s a great run stopper, but not much of a pass rusher and the teams above Green Bay don’t need 3-4 or 4-3 outside linebackers. However, Green Bay won’t pass on him. He’s not a great pass rusher, but they have a huge need opposite Clay Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens- OT Jared Gaither (San Diego)

Gaither got his start in Baltimore as a left tackle, but was cut because of injury problems. He showed himself to be healthy in the tail end of last season as a left tackle in San Diego, but in a weak offensive tackle class, that makes him the best offensive tackle on the market. The Ravens have been searching for a new left tackle since he left and I’m sure they would welcome him back.

30. San Francisco 49ers- QB Matt Flynn (Green Bay)

The 49ers lose Alex Smith here so they have no choice but to reach for Matt Flynn. In reality, however, I say there’s a 99.9% percent chance Smith is back in San Francisco and he gets a deal in the range of Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Kevin Kolb.

31. New England Patriots- WR Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)

The Patriots are interested in Brandon Lloyd to be an upgrade as their #2 receiver over Deion Branch, a free agent. However, they miss out on him in this scenario. Why not add Reggie Wayne? The Patriots like signing wide receivers on the cheap after age 30, with mixed results. Wayne is probably a safer choice than Torry Holt, Joey Galloway, and Chad Ochocinco.

32. New York Giants- OT Demetrius Bell (Buffalo)

They may have won the Super Bowl, but don’t thank their offensive line. David Diehl struggled at both left guard and left tackle last season, after struggling at left tackle in 2010. He’s expected to play right tackle next year as the Giants part ways with Kareem McKenzie, who also struggled. I don’t see that ending well. Bell is really good when healthy and the Giants take a chance on him here in a weak offensive tackle class as a potential long term bookend tackle with William Beatty. 

 

 

Frank Gore is a similar player to DeAngelo Williams. They’re the same age. Neither can stay healthy. Gore averages 4.7 yards per carry for his career. Williams averages 5.0. Both are listed at 5-9 217. They have similar skill sets. Relatively, this 3 year deal worth 21 million with 13.5 million guaranteed looks a lot better than DeAngelo Williams’ 5 years 43 million with 21 million guaranteed. This deal is worth less guaranteed, less per year, and goes for less years than Williams’ deal. However, Williams’ deal was ridiculous so I think this is still a little rich. Gore is still an injury prone player who will be making 7 million per year at a position that just isn’t that valuable in this league anymore.

Grade: C

 

By Ryan Glab 

 

A look at four keys for the Bears to beat this week’s opponent.

1. Contain Adrian Peterson

At a quick glance, it seems as though Adrian Peterson has owned the Bears defense since entering the league in 2007. But after examining the statistics even further, the Bears have done a good job of containing Peterson for the majority of the games and instead have allowed him to break off a few big runs that have skewed the statistics. That’s basically how Peterson runs the football, though. Much like Barry Sanders did, Peterson picks up a lot of yards through a few carries. It’s important to stay disciplined when facing him because the Bears can take him out of the game by limiting him to short gains. Peterson has not yet fumbled this season — something he has done far more than any other running back the past few years — which could pave the way for the turnover-happy Bears to pry one away from him. It takes a special effort to stop a special player and that’s exactly what the Bears’ No. 3 run defense will need to do Sunday.

2. Rough up Brett Favre

The New Orleans Saints laid the foundation and the blueprint for how to defeat Brett Favre in last year’s NFC Championship game. That plan is to sack him as much as possible and if the sacks aren’t coming, at least rough him up simultaneously after the throw so that his tired, old body feels the effects later in the game. Defenses may not be able to knock the resilient 41-year-old out of games, but Favre is fighting a losing battle against Father Time. Sure, he still may be able to sling the football around, but his mobility has declined by the year and his consistency is becoming more erratic. If the Bears can register a few knockdowns early in the game, it could and should take its toll on Favre in crunch time — if their is a crunch time in this game.

3. Commit to the run game

The Bears had the winning formula against the Bills: commit to the run on offense, play stout defense, and play good special teams. Although the Bears couldn’t rack up huge gains on the ground, the fact that they stayed committed to the run game enabled them to run playaction effectively and kept the defense honest. It’s one thing for Mike Martz to alter his game plan for one week against the worst run defense in the league. It’ll be another thing if he does it in back-to-back weeks. If the Bears fail to make headway in the run game against Minnesota, will he fall back to a pass-first mentality? Or has Lovie Smith gotten into his head and emphasized the importance of sticking to the run?

4. Focus on protecting field position

Eliminating turnovers on their own end of the field, preventing long drives from the Vikings offense, and creating good special teams returns will help the Bears maintain field position. Against a team that possesses dangerous weapons on offense, the last thing the Bears can afford to do is give them a short field with which to work. With how much the Bears have struggled offensively to move the football, they can’t afford to be pinned deep in their own territory, either.

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By Ryan Glab 

A look at four keys for the Bears to beat this week’s opponent.

1. Make a commitment to the run game

It’s a fact we knew the moment that Mike Martz was hired as offensive coordinator and were prepared for before the season even began. It was evident that Martz historically ignored the run and focused more on the passing game. After witnessing last week’s dismantling of Jay Cutler, surely Lovie Smith has gotten into Martz’s face and let him know that he’d like to see more from the run game. We know Matt Forte and Chester Taylor haven’t had much success this season due to a lack of running room, but the Bears must make an effort to run the football this week. Even a running attack that doesn’t net a healthy yards-per-carry average can still play a factor in a game plan. I keep referencing the 2007 Bears-Packers game at Lambeau Field, three years ago tomorrow (Oct. 7). Cedric Benson rushed 27 times for 64 yards, a paltry 2.3 yards per carry. But because Benson rushed more times than Brian Griese threw the ball that game, it set up the game-winning touchdown. On third-and-two and with a little over two minutes to go, the Packers stacked the box as the Bears came out in a running formation. The Packers bit on the playaction fake and Griese hit a wide open Desmond Clark for a 34-yard touchdown. If the Bears had attempted to run the ball more against the Giants, how many less sacks would Cutler have taken? How much less punishment would he have endured? What’s to stop a defensive line from pinning its ears back and rushing the passer every play if they know the Bears won’t run the ball? If Culter plays this week, I hope Martz commits to running the ball more to lessen the beating he’ll take. If he doesn’t play, that’s all the more reason to run.

2. Get rid of the ball quickly on passing downs

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. That old adage rings true. While you may be able to introduce him to new concepts, he’s still going to do what he knows best. So, even if Smith has commanded Martz to call more run plays this week, that doesn’t mean Martz will stick to the game plan. In fact, Martz is notorious for changing the game plan on the fly based on what he sees in the game. Hopefully he’ll learn from last week and understand the importance of getting rid of the ball quickly. Martz certainly learned that during the Dallas game and Cutler and the offense adjusted and Cutler was able to get rid of the ball before the pressure could get to him. In a perfect world, Martz would be blessed with a solid offensive line featuring at least two Pro Bowlers that would allow Cutler to take seven-step drops and spread the field like the days of the Greatest Show on Turf. He can’t do that with one of the league’s worst lines. Here’s hoping that whoever is taking snaps from Olin Kreutz, he’ll have more three- and five-step drops and hit more receivers underneath the coverage.

3. Focus on defending the run

The Panthers have a rookie quarterback under center and will be missing at least one, and maybe two of their top receivers this week. Dwayne Jarrett, a talented underachiever, was released by the team on Tuesday after his second arrest in less than three years for driving while impaired. Their top target, Steve Smith, suffered a high ankle sprain and may not play this week. Panthers coach John Fox said Smith was day-to-day, but Smith was walking around on crutches Wednesday and doesn’t look ready to play anytime soon. Regardless of who is at wide receiver, the Panthers have always been a running team featuring a talented duo in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers run game only ranks 17th, so they’re not without their problems. The Bears defense got its first real test of the season last week from Ahmad Bradshaw, who rushed for 129 yards on 23 carries, and Brandon Jacobs, who rushed for 62 yards on 6 carries, but a good chunk of those yards came late in the game when the contest was already getting out of hand. If the Bears can stop the Panthers’ run game, it’ll put that much more pressure on young Jimmy Clausen.

4. Put pressure on Clausen

After a modest starting debut in Week 3 against the Bengals, Clausen nearly led the Panthers to an upset over the Saints last week. Still, his numbers are far from flashy and the majority of rookie quarterbacks will buckle under pressure. Clausen has thrown two interceptions, has fumbled four times and lost two of them, and has been sacked four times in his two and a half games of action this season. I think back to last week’s triumphant return to Philadelphia for current Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb and I’m hoping for a similarly triumphant return for Julius Peppers. It’s unknown as of now if new defensive end Charles Grant will play on Sunday, but if he does I’m sure he’ll help upgrade the defensive line. Grant has had a successful career in the NFL and is flat-out a better player than Mark Anderson. Whichever three players are lining up next to Peppers, the onus is on the front four to generate a consistent pass rush that will rattle Clausen. Even if the Bears can’t sack him, they at least have to make him feel uncomfortable with the hopes that he’ll turn the ball over.

http://www.bearsbeat.com/ 

 

By Ryan Glab 

A look at four keys for the Bears to beat this week’s opponent.

1. Contain the combination of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams

The Bears have had struggles defending both of the Dolphins’ running backs, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, in years past. In 2006, Brown rushed for 157 yards on 29 carries for a 5.4 average as the Dolphins thrashed the Bears, 31-13, handing them their first loss of the season. Four years prior to that, Williams rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries, an average of 6.9 yards per carry. The Bears have a noticeably better run defense than they have had in recent memory and should put up a much more respectable effort than in either of those two games. With Tyler Thigpen, the Dolphins’ third-string quarterback, likely to get the start due to injuries to Chad Pennington and Chad Henne, the Dolphins may be forced to run the ball more and even may include the Wildcat into their repertoire.

2. Max protect Jay Cutler

Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake, who is battling a hip injury, is expected to play Thursday against the Bears and he leads the team with 8.5 sacks, ranking him third in the league. As a side note, the Bears have already faced the two players ahead of him, Green Bay’s Clay Matthews and the Giants’ Osi Umenyiora. Matthews was held without a sack but Umenyiora had three. The Dolphins’ defense ranks 11th in the league with 23 sacks and has forced seven fumbles while recovering five of them. Even though the Bears’ offensive line has protected Cutler better since the bye week, the Dolphins will know what they’re up against and will send the pressure. Keeping Cutler healthy and providing him with enough time to make plays will be a necessity.

3. Continue to run a balanced offense

Since the bye week, Matt Forte has rushed 35 times for 118 yards and Chester Taylor has carried the ball 21 times for 46 yards. Neither player has run the ball particularly well, but it was the commitment to the run game that helped pave the way for success in their victories over Buffalo and Minnesota. I’m guessing that Lovie Smith got into the head of Mike Martz during the bye week and explained the need for Martz to call a more balanced game, and unless the Bears struggle mightily at running the football against Miami, I wouldn’t expect him to deviate from the game plan that has cut down on the amount of times Cutler has gotten hit and has helped lead to wins.

4. Replicate last week’s special teams effort

The Bears made a surprise move last week when they elected to put Devin Hester back to return kickoffs for the first time in a long time. The move paid off as Hester had returns of 32 and 68 yards. Hester also had a 42-yard punt return that set the Bears up with great field position. Even when Hester wasn’t returning the ball, his presence alone affected field position, as Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell kicked short and Rashied Davis fielded it and took it back to midfield. The Bears’ kick coverage did a good job of containing the Vikings’ dynamic Percy Harvin. Brad Maynard pinned the Vikings at their one-yard line late in the game. Robbie Gould missed his third field goal in a row, but he also converted on a pair of attempts. Special teams, probably even more so on the road, will be a major factor in the outcome of this game.

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Adams was horrible at left tackle for the Cowboys last year and horribly overpaid. In the middle of a 6 year 43 million dollar contract, Adams was unable to keep opposing right ends and right rush linebackers out of the backfield and off the quarterback, allowing 8 sacks, tied for 7^th most in the league, 7 quarterback hits, tied for 25^th most in the league, and 34 quarterback pressures, tied for 6^th most in the league. His 12 penalties were also good for 6^th most in the league. He was cut about 4 months because he wasn’t worth anywhere near what they were paying him, especially at age 35. However, for what the Steelers need him for, he’s perfect. The Steelers lost Willie Colon to a season ending injury last month. Colon was their right tackle and best run blocker and Adams was, by far, the best run blocker available. He may stink in pass protection, but at right tackle, he’s not going to face the opponent’s best pass rusher and he can focus on being a massive run blocker at 340 pounds. At a reduced rate, he’s absolutely worth it as a stopgap right tackle until Colon can play again, likely next season. He’s better at what they need him to do than anyone else on the roster right now. The terms of this deal have not come out yet, except that’s it’s a two year deal, but considering Adams was looking for a contract in the range of 3-4 million dollars per year a few weeks ago, I think they got a good deal. I’m guessing this contract was somewhere around 2 years 5-6 million.

Grade: A

 

Spotlight #1: Vanderbilt MLB Chris Marve

Spotlight #2: Vanderbilt TE Brandon Barden 

1^st quarter

13:34: Marve gets off a block in the middle, good speed to get a tackle on the sideline after a sizeable gain.

12:50: Marve in on a tackle after the outside linebacker blows his gap.

12:12: Marve doesn’t change directions quickly.

11:11: Marve bites on a play fake.

0:11: Barden with a nice pass block.

0:01: Barden with a nice run block.

2^nd quarter

14:39: Marve gives up a completion for a first down. Barely gets the tackle.

14:00: Marve gives up another completion for a first, tackle after the catch.

6:01: Marve blocked off the ball on a good run.

3:41: Barden misses a downfield block.

2:44: Barden catches a 9 yard pass underneath.

0:26: Sean Richardson, Vanderbilt’s strong safety, with already his 9^th tackle of the night. He also has a sack.

3^rd quarter

13:55: Jaye Howard with a sack. The 6-3 310 pound defensive tackle has disappointed thus far this season at nose tackle in Florida’s 3-4 defense. He has really struggled at the point of attack, but he was better as a 4-3 nose last year. In 2010, he had 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He looks like a late rounder.

11:56: Marve bites on play fake, allows a big gain of 20 yards near the zone he was supposed to be in.

8:57: Barden catches one in stride, good speed after for 16 yards.

6:44: Barden starts off as a blocker, disengages, gets open short and catches one nicely with a solid run after. He’s got good hands. I don’t know why he doesn’t have more catches on the season.

3:52: Marve has trouble getting off a downfield block.

 

4^th quarter

14:55: Barden with his 4^th catch of the game, open over the middle for 14 yards.

10:45: Barden with a good block to seal a hole on a touchdown run by the quarterback.

10:25: Marve whiffs on a tackle.

9:41: Marve almost allows another completion, but Jordan Reed, the Florida tight end who Marve has struggled with all game, drops the ball.

7:31: Barden with another fantastic block, this time on a pass block.

6:08: Nothing to do with anything, but the refs miss an obvious PI here. The Vanderbilt receiver was blatantly shoved from behind by the defender on a catchable ball, but no call.

5:05: Marve in on a tackle for no gain.

4:34: Marve with a nice stuff for a little gain, 3^rd down stop.

3:55: Marve with a nice spin to shed a block.

3:01: Marve in on a short tackle.

2:13: Jeff Demps hasn’t had a big run yet to this point in this game, but still has 100 yards on 21 carries. Here he gets his big one, 57 yards, touchdown.

0:00: Marve had a very good game against Alabama, leading the charge as a 6-0 240 pound middle linebacker as Vanderbilt held Trent Richardson to one of his worst games of the season, 107 yards on 19 carrries (3^rd lowest rushing total of the year). Vanderbilt has one of the best and most underrated defenses in the country and Marve is a big part of the reason why. However, Marve was not nearly as good in this one. He had just 4 tackles and several poor plays against the run as Vanderbilt allowed 197 yards rushing.

Marve also struggled in coverage. He let Florida receiver Jordan Reed catch 3 passes for 29 yards and allowed another big gain when he vacated his zone on a play action fake. On the season, Marve has 65 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack, 1 pick, and 2 pass deflections. He looks like an early day 3 prospect in the 4^th round range unless he can bounce back with a strong finish to his senior season.

Speaking of Florida having a huge game on the ground, Jeff Demps led the way with Chris Rainey out with injury. Demps rushed for 158 yards and 2 scores on 23 carries, including a 57 yard touchdown run late. Demps is small at 5-7 191, but he’s one of the fastest people in the world. A former track star, Demps runs a 10.1 100 meter and can reportedly run a 40 as fast as 4.18.

He’s a bit undersized at 5-7 191, but he did a much better job of running in between the tackles and getting short chunks of yardage in this one. That 57 yarder was his only big gain and take that away, he still had 22 carries for 101 yards and a score against a good Vanderbilt defense. He’s short and tough to find behind the line, but he needs to run with better pad level. He’s not skinny and 191 pounds at 5-7 allows him to be like a Darren Sproles type, short, but stocky and powerful. However, he’s been too boom or bust this season. He wasn’t in this one, but 2 for 10, 3 for 4, 2 for 0, and 8 for 12 yard performances are going to limit this speedster to the late rounds.

Marve isn’t the only draftable prospect on Vanderbilt’s defense. Defensive end Tim Fugger, safety Sean Richardson, and cornerback Casey Hayward are all likely to get drafted at different points in the 2012 NFL Draft. Hayward is the highest rated and could go in the first round. A complete player, Hayward has 36 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 5 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups. Hayward was matched up with Florida’s Andre DuBose at several points in this one. DuBose has beat higher rated cornerbacks like Dre Kirkpatrick and Morris Claiborne for long touchdowns this year, but Hayward didn’t have much trouble with the speedy DuBose. DuBose caught 2 passes for 29 yards and didn’t score. Hayward also had 3 tackles for loss in this one. He’s a first rounder in my book.

The defensive end Tim Fugger is filling up the stat sheet as well, but he’s not the best athlete or the biggest player so he looks like a late rounder. Fugger has 5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss on the season, as well as 3 pass breakups. He got consistent pressure tonight against Florida’s Xavier Nixon, a talented player. He also got a pass deflection. The 6-4 250 pounder looks to be moving up boards and could go in the middle of day 3 as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Sean Richardson is the final of the 4 good defensive players on Vanderbilt’s underrated squad. The big 6-2 220 pound safety had 10 tackles, 9 in the first half. He has 44 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 2 sacks, and a pass breakup on the season. He’s not great in coverage, but he’s a good run stopper and looks like a mid to late rounder as a strong safety.

On to the offensive side of the ball, I was very impressed by Brandon Barden. Barden had just 6 catches on the season coming into this game, but it’s tough to tell why from this tape. In this one, he had 4 catches for 51 yards. He showed everything you like out of a tight end. He showed smooth hands, good speed, good route running ability and instincts, and the ability to catch the ball in stride and make use of space after the catch. He also is a very good run and pass blocker, even at 6-5 245. He looked like the real deal in this one, lining up at both tight end and fullback.

Barden did have 34 catches for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns last season and he has been dealing with a few injuries, as well as inconsistencies at the quarterback position, so those could be to blame for his low catch total. However, he has everything the scouts like out of a tight end and with some track record of success, he could see his stock go up significantly once teams get him in individual drills as we get closer to draft day. The 6-5 245 pound tight end looks like a mid rounder in my book, probably around round 4, maybe 5.