Earl Bennett Looks To Grow from a Cub to a Bear in 2009

Written by Mike Summa of Bleacherreport.com

To many, it was like he was not even on the roster.

Throughout 2008 and into the offseason, many Chicago Bears fans have speculated about the absence of third-round rookie pick Earl Bennett.

The Vanderbilt superstar set numerous SEC receiving records, but during his rookie season in the NFL, Bennett did not catch a single pass and saw little offensive playing time.

Not knowing what to make of the it, fans have been speculating about the situation ever since the lack of talent at wide receiver grew from a hot topic to a raging inferno late last season.

Some fans feel the Bears are such poor evaluators of offensive talent that they overlooked Bennett and were more awe-struck by guys like Marty Booker and Rashied Davis.

Others say Bennett did something to anger the coaching staff.

But it was Bennett himself who cleared the air this week in a Chicago Tribune article.

"I struggled [learning] the plays last year," Bennett said Wednesday. "I was lethargic because of it. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up.

"Toward the end, I started grasping the concepts. Once you put things aside and just play, you can play a lot faster."

The Bears are very thin at wide receiver at this point.

With veterans Brandon Lloyd and Marty Booker out of the picture, the up-to-speed Bennett has been working with counterpart Devin Hester in this week's veteran mini camp, the team's first set of organized activities this off season.

Hester, Bennett, and Davis are currently the team's top three receivers, along with longtime practice squad enigma Brandon Rideau, former Indianapolis Colt Devin Aromashodu, and reserve/futures contract signee John Broussard.

Further depth will likely be filled through next month's draft and the post-draft free agent market, but the coaching staff has promised a more prominent role for Bennett in 2009.

Then again, the same was also said about the injury-prone Mark Bradley during every offseason he spent in a Bears uniform.

Bye Bye Marty

Veteran WR Marty Booker was released yesterday by the Bears.

Booker, signed a two-year deal last off-season, to start his second stint with the Bears.

Last season, Booker caught only 14 passes for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Booker played in 13 games with five starts while struggling to stay healthy.

Booker was not the player, the Bears had in 2002, when he went to the Pro Bowl

In 2002, Booker caught 97 passes for 1189 and six touchdowns.

Booker probably dropped more passes, than he caught this season.

This is a good move by the Bears, not only do they get rid of a decrepit Booker, but they also free up some cap room.

Booker was a big disappointment to me, I thought he would take over Muhsin Muhammad's role, but he failed to do so.

Along with Booker the Bears released linebacker Gilbert Gardner, and practice squad linebacker Marcus Riley.

Just a Thought: Jerry Porter to the Bears?

It was announced today that WR Jerry Porter was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jerry Porter got $7.5 million last season to catch only 11 passes and "allegedly" tear apart the Jaguars' locker room.

Jerry Porter is 30 years old and last season was one of the biggest free-agent wide receivers besides Ex- Bear Bernard Berrian.

I think it would be a risk to sign Porter, but who knows he could go back to being the player he was in Oakland.

The bright side is, you can sign him for pretty cheap.

I wouldn't mind the addition and I can see the Bears making this move.

Jerry Porter would be much better than "decrepit" Marty Booker.

Here's a look at Jerry Porter's statistics:

Receiving Stats
YEAR	TEAM	G	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FD	FUM	LOST
2000	OAK	12	1	6	6.0	6	0	0	0	0
2001	OAK	15	19	220	11.6	21	0	14	0	0
2002	OAK	16	51	688	13.5	36	9	36	0	0
2003	OAK	10	28	361	12.9	35	1	21	1	1
2004	OAK	16	64	998	15.6	52	9	47	2	2
2005	OAK	16	76	942	12.4	49	5	45	1	0
2006	OAK	4	1	19	19.0	19	0	1	0	0
2007	OAK	16	44	705	16.0	59	6	29	0	0
2008	JAC	10	11	181	16.5	33	1	8	0	0
Career		115	295	4120	14.0	59	31	201	4	3

• 2000: Drafted 47th overall in the second round by the Oakland Raiders
• 2002: Played in Super Bowl XXXVII against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2006: Suspended by coach Art Shell for "Conduct Detrimental to the Team"
• 2008: Signs as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Best catches of 2008: Booker's one-handed grab

Besides this catch, Marty Booker was pretty pathetic this season.

The Bears Should look at these Wide Receivers

In the upcoming NFL Draft, which is about 3 months away, the Bears most glaring need is wide receiver.

They own the 18th pick in the upcoming draft and by the time they choose expect Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, Missouri's Jeremy Maclin and Florida's Percy Harvin to all be off the board.

That's why they should look at Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey and North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey's College Statistics:

Maryland			Receiving						Rushing
Season	Games		Rec	Yds	Avg	Lg	TD		Att	Yds	Avg	Lg	TD
2006	13		45	694	15.4	96	5		5	14	1.0	9	0
2007	13		51	786	15.4	63	3		5	110	21.4	54	1
2008	12		42	608	14.5	80	5		15	202	13.5	76	1
Total	37		138	2,089	15.1	96	13		25	326	13.0	76	2

Career highlights and awards for Darrius Heyward-Bey

• 2006 The Sporting News first-team freshman All-America
• 2006 All-ACC second-team
• 2008 All-ACC honorable mention

fftoolbox.com says that "Darrius Heyward-Bey is a big 6-2 receiver who is simply an amazing athlete who can win a jump ball against any corner in the NFL."

YouTube Highlights of Darrius Heyward-Bey




Hakeem Nicks' College Statistics:

tats Overview	Receiving					Rushing					Fumbles
YEAR	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FUM	LST
2006	39	660	16.9	83	4	1	10	10.0	10	0	0	0
2007	74	958	12.9	53	5	1	-1	-1.0	0	0	0	0
2008	68	1222	18.0	74	12	5	34	6.8	12	1	0	0

Career highlights and awards

• Most career receptions in UNC history (181)
• Most career TD receptions in UNC history (21)
• Most single-season TD receptions in UNC history (12)

fftoolbox.com says that "Nicks is not a pure speed receiver, but he has certainly been productive. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, he has decent size and could develop into a solid complimentary receiver on just about any team in the NFL."

YouTube Highlights of Hakeem Nicks


So why should we care about these guys ?
Because they might help the Bears tremendously next season.

I'm not a big Kyle Orton fan, but he had horrible wide receivers this season.

Kyle Orton needs other help than Matt Forte.

Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd and Rashied Davis are not #2 receivers in the NFL.

And Devin Hester is definitely not a #1.

I would love to have either of these guys, but I would prefer Nicks of Heyward-Bey, just because of the highlight above from YouTube.

Forte is back on the practice field

According to chicagotribune.com, Bears running back Matt Forte returned to practice for the Bears Friday.

He missed the last two practices while nursing a sore big right toe.

Forte was expected to be limited in practice.

Marty Booker (ribs) was expected to be a limited as well, while Jason McKie (quad) was likely to miss practice again.

Booker doubtful for NFC matchup tommorow

Receiver Marty Booker is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Saints with a cracked rib.

Fullback Jason McKie (quad) and running back Garrett Wolfe (hamstring) are listed as doubtful as well, but neither was expected to play.

Bears win 23-10 against struggling Jags

The Bears made sure they won this game, by coming out early and setting the tempo.

Kyle Orton looked solid with a 85.3 passer rating, 219 yards and two touchdown passes to Dez Clark and Greg Olsen.

His one mistake came when he under threw Devin Hester, who finished the game with five catches and 80 yards.

Danieal Manning, who moved to nickel back this season, picked off David Garrard on the Jag's first drive.

Manning returned it to the five where he fumbled out of bounds.

It was initially called a touch back, but Lovie Smith threw the challenge flag and the Bears scored on a Dez Clark catch.

They looked solid in the first half, but they were very conservative in the second half.

They knew they had it in the bag.

They allowed only 159 yards threw the air and the defensive line helped out with three sacks.

The defense had about 11 tipped passes in this game and it seemed like they were going to pick off Garrard more than just once.


The defensive stars:

Anthony Adams, Israel Idonije, and Daniel Manning led the defense for most of the day.

Adams, who is filling in for the injured Dusty Dvoraceck had eight tackles and really looked good.

Israel Idonije, had 1.5 sacks and a couple of deflected passes on some big plays.

Danieal Manning looked like a first round pick.

Manning not only had an interception, three tackles and two deflected passes, but he also had some decent kick returns.


The offensive stars:

Kyle Orton looked good with his 2 touchdowns and 85.3 passer rating.

Devin Hester had a big day receiving, but he also seems to know what he is doing returning punts now.

Hester was close to taking a punt to the house in the second half, this made the Jaguars punt out of bounds multiple times.

The tight ends looked really good, with Greg Olsen's 52 yards and a score and Dez Clark's touchdown catch.

Matt Forte, who is a rookie, but plays like a veteran, finished with 69 yards rushing and 37 yards receiving.


Notes from the game:

Garrett Wolfe left the game on the opening kickoff with a hamstring injury.

Mark Anderson recorded on his first sack of the season, when he beat tackle Tony Pashos with a spin move.

Adewale Ogunleye, who was on the injury report, helped Israel Idonije bring down David Garrard late in the game.

This victory gives the Bears 700 wins, an NFL record.

Adrian Peterson, finished the game with 19 yards on three carries, but he really looked like a solid backup running back.


Disappointments from the game:

Besides Devin Hester the wide receivers looked pathetic.

Marty Booker, Rashied Davis, and Brandon Lloyd combined for 5 catches.

Lloyd didn't catch a ball and looks almost invisible lately.

Booker was banged up late in the game and Rashied Davis just has no hands.

None of these guys should be starters in the NFL.

I don't understand why Earl Bennett and Brandon Rideau don't get any playing time.

Lance Briggs missed a tackle on the little, but powerful Maurice Jones-Drew four yard touchdown.


What's Next?

The Bears face the 7-6 New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.

Both teams need this win.

The Lions played the Vikings tough, but the Vikings came away with the victory to stay one game ahead of the Bears.

The Packers lost their eighth game of the season and are eliminated from the playoffs.

Clark, Booker questionable vs. Vikings

TE Desmond Clark and receiver Marty Booker are expected to be questionable for Sunday night's game against the Vikings. Both are coming off knee injuries.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), safety Mike Brown (calf), and linebacker Jamar Williams (groin) are all probable coming off their injuries.

No Marty?

According to the Chicago Tribune, WR Marty Booker (knee), tackle Fred Miller (shoulder), Darrell McClover (hamstring) will miss Sunday's game in St. Louis with knee injury.

Will Brandon Lloyd ever play?

Brandon Lloyd was listed as probable on friday's injury report, but said his knee sprain still need some time to heal.

Lloyd seemed confused that he didn't play.


He was happier on Monday:

"I don't think it was some sort of punishment or anything like that," when it comes to doing the things I need to do as a receiver, I'm just not there. It's as simple as that."

Brandon Lloyd hasn't played since getting injured against Eagles on Sept. 28, missing five games.

They really need Lloyd, because without veteran Marty Booker gets more playing time and Booker doesn't look very good lately.

I'm starting to wish we still had Mark Bradley, who looks great with the Chiefs.


Lovie on decision to let Lloyd rest:

"He was close this past week, [he] probably could have [played]. I ... decided to wait one more week."

Lloyd previously stated he wouldn't return for a game until 100 percent.

"I'd say he was just probably saying when he was ready to go and he could go out there and not hurt his football team, it's nothing more than that."

They Are Who We Thought They Were

The Bears have many questions to ask themselves after a 21-14 loss against the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

How do you lose a game where you shut down supposedly the best running back tandem in the NFL?

How does your pass rush, who is loaded with players like Tommie Harris, Mark Anderson, Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye have no success getting to Kerry Collins?

How does your pass defense, who has everyone back from injury, struggle against Kerry Collins, who hasn't had over 200 yards passing all year?

The Bears need to remedy these crucial mistakes and fast.

We know they can shut down running backs, but how do you make an ordinary QB look like a pro bowler?

It has happened with Brian Griese, Gus Frerotte and even Dan Orlovsky this season.

On the bright side, the first eight games the Titans averaged 149.1 rushing yards per game and yesterday only produced 20 yards. At half they had -5 yards on the ground.
Chris Johnson who averaged 89.4 ypg rushing had only eight total yards on the ground.

The Bears offense was another story, they came out strong with a six minute drive and Grossman threw a touchdown to Matt Forte, who ran all over the Titans D in the first half.

The next eight drives ended in punts.

The Bears had their share of opportunities as they stopped the Titans on 4th and goal late in the first quarter.

Between Marty Booker, Rashied Davis, and Devin Hester, five passes were caught for a total of 69 yards.

Booker looked like a bad Muhsin Muhammad and Rashied Davis just ran the wrong routes.

Hester had two big returns that I thought could have been returned for touchdowns.

Also, Grossman overthrew Hester on a sure touchdown, which would have gave the Bears much needed momentum.

Grossman shouldn't get all the blame, but he did struggle to get the ball to his receivers.

He looked in sync at intervals in the game, but just couldn't keep it going.

His interception reminded me of the one he threw in Super Bowl 41, which Kelvin Hayden returned for a touchdown.

If Grossman played like he did on the first drive of the game and one of the drives at the end of the game, we would have scored a lot of points.

But, the team just looked out of sync and they abandoned the running game in the second half; Forte ran for a total of seven yards.

They need some help and they need it fast because they have a huge game in Green Bay next Sunday and the Packers just came off a tough loss.

If Orton can't go this week, there is absolutely no way they would put in Caleb Hanie at QB, for all the Hanie fans out there.

You have to give the Titans offensive coordinator some credit for realizing the running game wasn't working, but the Bears should have figured out a way to get to Kerry Collins

The Bears have at total of five sacks in there last five games.

That really hurts your pass defense.


Quote of the Day:

Rashied Davis said this after a tough loss to the now 9-0 Titans, "Maybe they have some kind of angel around them or something, I don't know."


Three Stars of the Game:

1) The run defense

2) Corey Graham- he recovered a big fumble early in the first quarter.

3) Matt Forte- had a big day running and looked great receiving as well.


Just a Thought...


You can blame Rex Grossman for this loss all you want, but the Bears were backed up in the own 10 yard line for most of the game.

Who knows if Orton could have one this game, but it doesn't matter anymore.

Where was Brandon Lloyd, I thought he was supposed to play yesterday.

He definitely would have helped, anything but Marty Booker.

They must change gears to the Packers, for they don't want to lose a divisional game, against my most hated team.

Hopefully they can figure this out before this week's game.

Quotes of the Week

Marty Booker on the change of QB's due to injury:

''It got to that point where you're like, 'Man, you get a guy in here who is playing tremendous, everybody is riding high, the stakes are high,' and then to see the quarterback go down like that, it's frightening,."

''But Rex stepped in and got that win for us. The funny thing about it is, in most situations, the backup has always been the most popular guy here.''

Grossman on opportunity:

''They haven't been [behind me], but I love the fans."

''They definitely cheer when good things happen, so I'm going to try to make good things happen.''

'Every time you step out there, people watch it and make judgments about it."

"So this is important because if I get a chance to play, this might be one of the only chances I get to play. So maybe that has a little added effect to it.''

Jeff Fisher on Grossman and how Orton was doing so far this season:

''Our team knows."

''They have followed seasons, they've followed Super Bowls, they know Rex led them to it. It doesn't change.

''Watching Kyle, what a tremendous start he's had. Just great throws and doing a great job with the offense. Rex has been there, done that, and he finished up the game nicely and gave them a chance to win. Our approach does not change.''

Mike Brown, Kyle Orton sit out Wednesday's practice

Safety Mike Brown (calf) joined quarterback Kyle Orton (ankle) on the sideline Wednesday, sitting out practice.

Also out were receiver Marty Booker, cornerback Charles Tillman and defensive lineman Tommie Harris.

I don't think Charles Tillman was healthy enough to play last week, but we really need him this week.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) was limited.

Luckily, Receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) had full participation.

Vasher back at full practice

Cornebacks Nathan Vasher (wrist) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) and receiver Marty Booker (knee) had full participation in practice Thursday, one day after being limited.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) returned to practice in a limited role after missing Wednesday's session.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer continues to be limited coming off right thumb surgery. He is not expected to play Sunday vs. Detroit.

Look for Nick Roach and Jamar Williams to get a lot of playing time this Sunday.

Punter Brad Maynard was also limited in Thursday's practice.

Bears' Hillenmeyer could miss Lions game with a hand injury

• A Chicago Bears Source says LB Hillenmeyer had surgery and CB Vasher is still day-to-day.

Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher remained sidelined Monday, nearly four weeks after surgery on his right wrist, and now strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is out with a hand injury.

Vasher sat out during a short workout at Halas Hall, as did Hillenmeyer, who had surgery last week on his thumb, a source close to the player said.

There is no timetable for his return, and he has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against Detroit.

Vasher how you doin?

''I'm doing good, still just going day-to-day, and hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to see.''

Lovie Smith had this to say about Vasher's starting job:

''Each snap you're earning a job, you have to do something to say that you deserve to be out on the field. Nathan Vasher is a good player. A lot has been said about him and is he starting and all of this. Nate's one of our guys. He's going to help us win a lot of games around here.''

Vasher seems upset at reporters:

''Are you guys starting something?" "Oh, my gosh. It's the middle of the season. I don't know what you guys are talking about. You tell me. I'm always content with whatever my role is on the team. I just want the team to win.''

Since Hillenmeyer might not play, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams practiced with the first team and worked with coach Lloyd Lee worked for 20 minutes after practice.

Hey Brandon Lloyd you gonna play this weekend?

''I don't know. I'm not going to play unless I am 100 percent.''

Other important injury updates:

Nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) returned to practice after sitting out two weeks. Cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulders), wide receiver Marty Booker and defensive tackle Tommie Harris (left knee) sat out.

Bears Win a Wild One Over The Vikings 48-41

Your probably asking yourself how did the 2008 Chicago Bears score 48 points and how did they give up 41 points.

The Bears looked great offensively today.

Kyle Orton had this to say after completing 21 of 32 passes for two touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 114.5:

We’ve got a group of guys who are together, it doesn’t matter what happens outside that huddle. It’s everybody inside the huddle working for a common goal and we work together very well.”

When was the last time the Bears scored this many points?

The last time the Chicago Bears scored this many points was 1986 and the last time the Bears and Vikings combined for that many points was in 1961.

The Bears have never won, while giving up 41 points.

Matt Forte ran the ball 20 times for only 56 yards, but did get a 2nd quarter touchdown.

Even though the Bears gave up 41 points, they forced 4 turnovers, had two huge late game sacks and two special team touchdowns.

The interceptions were made by young corner-backs, who were filling in for Vasher, Tillman and Manning.

Trumaine McBride, Corey Graham, Zack Bowman and Kevin Payne all had an interception.

Bowman played in his first game ever today and he also scored on a muffed punt by the Vikings.

I thought at the end of the game the Bears were going to blow it but Tommie Harris came up with his biggest play all year, by sacking Gus Frerotte on a 3rd down.

Injury News:

Devin Hester injured a quadriceps muscle in the third quarter on a kickoff return.

Thank Goodness for the Bye Week:

Bears fans and Bears players should be thankful for the bye week because they need there secondary to get healthy and hopefully Devin Hester and Brandon Lloyd won't be out for much longer.

Top Performers:

1) Greg Olsen- he came up huge today.

2) Kyle Orton- he looked great in the no-huddle and if Marty caught two perfectly thrown balls, Marty would have had three touchdown receptions.

3) Corey Graham- another big game for the young corner-back.

4) Zack Bowman- he looked great in his debut.

Non-Performers:

1) Adewale Ogunleye- he was pretty invisible today.

2) John St. Clair- he messed up on a Jared Allen sack, forcing Orton to fumble.

When the offense plays like that they are tough to stop.

They know they should be 7-0, but the Packers crushed the Colts today and are tied with the Bears for first place in the NFC North.

The Bears come back after the bye November 2 to take on the Lions in Chicago.

Then they take on the undefeated Titans at home the week after that.

Look for the Bears to take control of the NFC North after they get rest after their bye.

Lloyd Out; Booker, Tillman, Vasher and Williams Questionable

Brandon Lloyd is officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions and Marty Booker, Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher and rookie T Chris Williams are all questionable.

Also, Tommie Harris is suspended by head coach Lovie Smith for the game because he showed up late to some of treatments for his knee.

Kyle Orton had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

“It’s tough because he’s really coming on strong, he made a couple really nice catches and ran some great routes last week.”

Devin Hester had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

We know Brandon Lloyd went down, he’s a key receiver, but he’s down this week. It’s just going to give the next guy an opportunity to make plays. With him being down, it’s time for somebody else to step up.”

Lovie Smith on Tommie Harris suspension:

“We’re not trying to send any messages, it’s pretty simple: You’ve got rules, you break rules and you get punished.”

Other News:

After being inactive for the first four games, Bennett could be in uniform Sunday at Ford Field.

“I’m very eager to get the opportunity to get out there and play and help us win a game,” said the third-round pick from Vanderbilt. “If opportunity knocks, I’m there.”

Starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman (shoulder) and Nate Vasher (wrist) were limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable on the injury report, but both said they expected to play against the Lions.

Booker (knee) was also limited and listed as questionable, while rookie left tackle Chris Williams practiced without restrictions and was listed as questionable.

The first-round draft pick has been making steady progress in his rehabilitation from back surgery.

“Chris Williams had another good day and he’s had a good week of practice,” said coach Lovie Smith. “That’s always good to get a player like that back into the mix.”

Mike Hass Signed to Practice Squad

The Bears re-signed receiver Mike Hass to their practice squad.

Hass, who was caught in a numbers game during final cuts, had a tryout scheduled with the New York Giants.

Earl Bennett will likely suit up if Brandon Lloyd can't go and if Marty Booker can't play look for Brandon Rideau to get some time as well.

Biggest Disspointments for the Bears so far this season....

#1 Marty Booker

Until last night Marty Booker had caught one ball all season, I know he's 31 years old and hasn't been on the Bears in three years, but come on look at Muhsin Muhammad for the Panthers.


#2 Kevin Payne

This guy is worst player on that defense. He is always too deep in coverage, when he needs to play closer to line. He does have two interceptions, but he needs to step it up or he will be where Adam Archuleta is and that's no where.

# 3 Greg Olsen

I knew he would bounce back with a big game, but the Bears have yet to really utilized there two very talented tight ends and Greg Olsen was very bad the first three weeks of the season, failing to get open and fumbling the ball constantly.


# 4 Rashied Davis

This guy was supposed to be our main WR, but Brandon Lloyd has taken that spot. Rashied looks good in some parts of the game, but than just fault out disappears for most of the game. If he caught a great pass from Orton against Tampa Bay, we would be 3-1, but he needs to step it up because the coaches will look like fools if he fails. They were raving about this guy all training camp.