Keeping McNabb in pocket big key for Bears
The Bears' defense wants to keep Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb in the pocket, not because they're afraid he'll run for positive yardage but because that's when he's most dangerous throwing the ball.
“We've got to control the pocket because when he gets outside, especially to his right hand, there are big plays out there,” Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “That hurt us a little bit in our third game of the year (vs. the Packers). We've got to make sure we keep that pocket closed and keep him inside.”
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 34 of 45 passes for 316 yards and was not sacked.
“There are a lot of times McNabb gets out of the pocket and throws it deep,” said Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. “When he does scramble, get him on the ground if you can and just try to keep him in the pocket.”
Work in progress:
The offense has had its ups and downs, but offensive line coach Mike Tice said he and coordinator Mike Martz have worked well together.
“We're trying to work through who we are (as a team), and we're trying to work through together what we can ask the guys to do,” Tice said. “Not just in the O-line but across the board backs, receivers, quarterbacks. What are we? What are we going to be going forward?
“We've had some great meetings through the course of the season trying to figure those things out. Sometimes we think we've got them figured out, then all of a sudden this guy's hurt and we've got this other guy, (now) what can he do?”
Despite their 4-2 record, the Bears do not rank higher than 21st in any of 10 key offensive categories, and they are last in sacks allowed and third-down efficiency.
Not so different:
Jay Cutler spent his first three seasons playing in Mike Shanahan's offense in Denver. But now the Bears' QB is running Mike Martz's scheme in Chicago, and he'll be facing Shanahan's Redskins on Sunday. He says the two are similar in many ways.
“They're both going to attack defenses,” Cutler said. “They're going to make sure that every play has an answer. They're going to rely on their ability as schemers and play-callers to beat the defense, and they're going to make sure that the quarterback isn't out there just holding the ball looking for things. They're going to make sure everything happens in a timely manner and both are great guys.”
Injury update:
Linebackers Brian Urlacher (groin) and Lance Briggs (ankle) and safeties Chris Harris (knee), Major Wright (hamstring) and Danieal Manning (ribs) were all limited at Thursday's practice but all are expected to play Sunday with the exception of Wright who probably won't return until after the bye next week.
Guard Roberto Garza (knee) and cornerback Zack Bowman (foot) did not practice and are not expected to play.