Chicago Bears know DeSean Jackson can be a game-changer
After missing six games with an early-season hamstring injury, Washington wide receiver DeSean Jackson is back to being the home run threat that he's always been, and the Chicago Bears are wary of his game-changing ability.
The 5-foot-10, 178-pound, eight-year veteran has long touchdown catches in each of his last three games, scoring from 28, 56 and 63 yards. Since he entered the league in 2008, Jackson has 32 receptions of 50 yards or longer, the most in the NFL. Including returns, he has 19 career touchdowns of 60 yards or longer, which is tied for fourth in NFL history.
“(It's) his speed and quickness,” the Bears must prepare for according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “The guy's extremely fast and, unlike a lot of guys that are extremely fast, he's fast in a hurry. He gets in a high gear quicker than anybody.”
Jamming Jackson at the line of scrimmage can be an effective tactic, though it's difficult to get a clean shot at the slippery speedster.
“That's part of it, if you can,” Fangio said. “There will be some opportunities to do that. But you've just got to stay on top of him, too; not let him get behind you.”
Learning from mistakes:
Although rookie safety Adrian Amos has started every game, there have been growing pains along the way.
None were more noticeable than last week, when the fifth-round pick missed what could have been a TD-saving tackle on quarterback Blaine Gabbert's 44-yard run and then was part of a miscommunication that resulted in the 49ers' 71-yard game-winning TD pass.
“He's had tough plays,” coach John Fox said. “Nobody goes through these games unscathed, I don't care what position you play.
“He had a couple plays I'm sure he'd like to redo, but those things happen. He's a young guy, he's a competitor, he's a professional and you just go back to work. First of all, with mistakes, you admit them; second thing is you correct them, and then you try not to make the same mistake again.”
Rest is best:
Tight end Martellus Bennett will miss the final four games on injured reserve, making five missed games this season, one more than he missed in his previous seven seasons combined.
Bennett suffered a fractured rib against Denver, Nov. 22, and did not travel to Green Bay on Thanksgiving.
“He tried to gut it up and go this past week (vs. the 49res), and it just wasn't going to work,” coach John Fox said. “The only real way to fix him is to let it rest and heal. Playing football is not real conducive to healing ribs, so we determined IR was best for us and him moving forward.”
Good for him:
Former Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall is putting up huge numbers for the Jets this year after the Bears dumped him in the off-season for a fifth-round pick.
The Bears also got a throw-in in the Marshall deal — less disruption and drama. But Marshall is fifth in the NFL with 83 receptions, sixth with 1,062 yards and tied for third with 10 receiving touchdowns.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler says he's been more concerned with his current teammates.
“I haven't paid that much attention to what he does, what his stats are,” Cutler said. “We wished him well, and we work with the guys we got here.”
Injury update:
Wide receiver Marquess Wilson (foot) and linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) did not practice, but linebacker Shea McClellin (ankle) was a full participant.
Wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee), tight end Zach Miller (ribs), linebacker Sam Acho (shoulder), cornerback Tracy Porter (ankle) and safety Antrel Rolle (knee) were limited.