McManis wouldn't mind competing for cornerback time
BOURBONNAIS — Since he was drafted in the fifth round out of Northwestern by the Houston Texans in 2010, cornerback Sherrick McManis has started just one game in five NFL seasons, including the last three with the Bears.
But McManis always seems to find a way onto the final 53-man roster. His niche with the Bears has been as a core contributor on special teams, where he's finished second in tackles each of the past two seasons.
But he also has proved to be a valuable backup on defense.
“I try to prove to the coaches, to myself personally, to my teammates, every year, that I'm there for them whenever they need me,” said the 6-foot-1, 193-pounder, whose size helps him match up against the biggest receivers.
“If they need me to contribute on special teams, I'm there with a great attitude. If they need me on defense, I'm there, too.”
With 2013 first-round pick Kyle Fuller starting at one corner spot and veterans like Tim Jennings, Tracy Porter and Alan Ball competing with youngsters like Al Louis-Jean and Demontre Hurst for playing time, the competition for roster spots will be fierce.
McManis' special teams play puts him in the thick of the action.
“I came into this league trying to make a name for myself on special teams because veterans (said) that's how I was going to get in,” McManis said. “I've done that through the years, and I'll continue to do that.
“That's how my family has been eating this year — and will continue to eat. (But) I'd also like to play corner. I look for that opportunity as well.”
He's the guy:
With Brandon Marshall was banished to New York, Alshon Jeffery is the de facto go-to wide receiver.
But he downplays that role, even though he followed his 2013 Pro Bowl season (89 catches, 1,421 yards) with 85 more catches and 1,133 more yards in 2014.
“I'm not looking forward to anything,” Jeffery said when asked about becoming the main man. “I'm just doing my job, whatever it takes for us to win, whether that's me blocking, or catching the ball, it don't matter.
“It's not one guy who stands out on our team. It takes 11 guys on the field. So each one of us has our part.”
With 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons, it's not Jeffery's blocking that will be integral to the Bears' offensive success this year.
Coach John Fox wasn't buying into the ranking of the Bears' receivers either, but he likes what the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Jeffery brings to the field.
“I like the way he competes,” Fox said. “He's got a big wingspan and a big (catch) radius as far as plucking (balls) away from defenders.”
Assessing the competition:
The Bears are eighth-year cornerback Tracy Porter's fifth NFL team, including one year (2012) on John Fox's Denver Broncos team.
The veteran of 60 NFL starts says he sees an encouraging trend early in this year's training camp.
“I sense competition from top to bottom,” he said, “whether it's defensive backs, linebackers, D-line, offensive line and all three phases of the game. Guys are competing, guys are wanting to get better, we're wanting to push each other in all phases of the game.
“We're pushing each other in the secondary, we're pushing each other offensively and defensively, and that's the biggest thing I'm taking away from it.”
In and out:
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery suffered a slight shoulder sprain and was out of practice briefly, but returned. Defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins dislocated his finger, but trainers were able put it back in place, and he returned to practice as well.
Offensive linemen Kyle Long (shoulder) and Jermon Bushrod (coaches' decision) returned to practice after missing most of Saturday's work, as did defensive lineman Terry Williams (cramps).
Tight end Dante Rosario was back after missing two days for excused personal reasons.