Teammates excited for Peterson
Q. How will the Bears' offense change now that Cedric Benson is out for the remainder of the season?
A. The scheme does not change, nor do the plays. Simply, we'll just see more Adrian Peterson and a little more of Garrett Wolfe. It's Peterson's show with Wolfe in a complementary, change-of-pace role.
Don't be surprised if fullback Jason McKie gets more involved in the running game as well. He is now the third tailback. Benson and Peterson do hit their holes and make their reads a little differently, and that may be the only change you see in the run game. Peterson is one of the most popular players in the locker room, and his teammates are excited that this no-nonsense, hard-working player is getting this opportunity.
Q. How does Benson's injury affect the Bears' plans for free agency and the draft?
A. I'm not sure that it does. I would imagine the plan was to add a back to the mix, injury or no injury, more than likely through the draft, and then let everyone compete. Benson has had several injuries in his first three years. He's under contract for two more seasons, but I've heard Bill Parcells say that after three or four years, it's time to get a new running back because of the wear and tear at the position, although there are rare exceptions. Benson has only started 12 NFL games, so he's not exactly in that boat.
Q. What can the Bears do to keep Giants defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora from devouring Rex Grossman?
A. It's not just Strahan and Umenyiora. Justin Tuck is having a nice season in the defensive line rotation, and defensive tackle Fred Robbins had a terrific performance against the Vikings. This is a front four that is quite aggressive in its pass rush, so plays designed to use that aggression against them are probably the best option. In passing situations, Grossman must get rid of the ball quickly.
Q. What other matchups will most determine the outcome of Sunday's game?
A. I believe the Bears' wide receivers and tight ends can make something happen. The Giants on the back end defensively are prone to the big play. They've allowed 30 passes of 20-plus yards, including 6 of 40-plus yards. Rookie cornerback Aaron Ross was burned badly by Minnesota rookie Sidney Rice on a 60-yard pass play last Sunday.
Offensively, quarterback Eli Manning bottomed out against the Vikings, and he had a 23.8 passer rating in the loss to the Bears at Giants Stadium last November. He's taking a lot of heat, so the Bears should bring even more. The Bears' pass pressure will be critical against a Giants line that has allowed 10 sacks in the last three games after allowing only 9 sacks in the first eight games.
Q. Is Sean Taylor's murder an indication that additional similar tragedies are possible in the future involving professional athletes being targeted because of their ever-increasing wealth and visibility?
A. I believe anyone who thinks otherwise is naive, including the athletes themselves. Talking to several players this week, Taylor's death certainly got their attention, and immediate adjustments in some cases have already been made in home security. That's the thing about this tragedy … it happened in Taylor's home, and that has created a lot of concern among NFL players.
Q. Which Bears players deserve Pro Bowl consideration and why?
A. There are several players who should be included in the discussion, but records and popularity more than performance often get players across the water to Hawaii. Of course, Devin Hester is a given, and Brendon Ayanbadejo is again building a strong case for his special teams excellence. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye has three multi-sack games and he's forced 4 fumbles. However, he's one of eight NFC sackers in the league's top 10, so it could be difficult for him.
The discussion should also include linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher, cornerback Charles Tillman and center Olin Kreutz. Obviously, not all of these guys will be named to the Pro Bowl, which will likely look like a roster full of Packers and Cowboys.
Q. How important is it for the Bears to re-sign unrestricted free agents Bernard Berrian, Lance Briggs and Rex Grossman?
A. It of course depends on the price tags for each and their ultimate desire to stay here or test the market. In my opinion, Briggs needs to be signed. He's a playmaker, and he's done everything they've asked him to do. He's also still young enough to be a productive player through the life of a new deal.
Berrian, self-admittedly, had a disappointing first half of the season, but you see his value as a deep threat, and he's made some impressive tough catches.
Given the dearth of quarterbacks out there, the Bears have to be careful what they do with all three of their quarterbacks.