Is Nathan Vasher's Future with the Bears Up in Smoke?

Is Nathan Vasher returning to the Bears next season?

Many think he has grossly underachieved since receiving a big contract two seasons ago.

It definitely appears that way.

Vasher has only played in 12 games in the last two seasons, recording 29 tackles and only two interceptions.


Jerry Angelo spoke about Vasher's future at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend:

"I don't know where he is now, I touched on that. He has to re-establish himself, he's competing to start. We talked about that, he's got to take his game to another level. I didn't see anything physically speaking that would tell me that he can't, but he's got to get it going. He's had some injuries that's kind of retarded some of the things maybe that we're used to seeing from him, but he hasn't been the guy that we've been accustomed to seeing and certainly not the guy that [we saw] when we gave him his contract extension. He needs to be a better player. He knows that. I feel strongly he's going to accept that challenge and we're going to see a much better Nathan Vasher.''

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com


What do I think?

I think you have to keep a guy that has talent in the mix.

You have many talented cornerbacks, including Corey Graham and Zack Bowman, who should provide depth behind Tillman and Vasher.

If, Vasher can stay healthy I think he can regain his form from 2006, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Report: Tillman Won't Move to Safety

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times said this in his Wait a secondary: Tillman to stay at CB:

"With all the talk of the Bears experimenting in the secondary, you can cross one possibility off the list.

Left cornerback Charles Tillman won't move to free safety in 2009. Tillman -- who former Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said on draft day in 2003 would be a ''Pro Bowl safety'' if he ever moved from cornerback -- had been rumored to be changing positions."

What do I think?

I think this is the right move considering Tillman had reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder Jan. 15 and won't be cleared to participate in the three-day veteran mini-camp next month.

The other cornerbacks on the Bears roster are Nathan Vasher (played eight games last season, could be released), Corey Graham (started nine games last season, recording 91 tackles and one interception), Trumaine McBride (played in 16 games last season, recording 11 tackles and one interception), and Zackary Bowman (played in one game last season, recording one interception and a special teams touchdown before going on injured reserve).

It would be risky to move Tillman to safety because it might not be an easy transition.

The safeties on the roster are Kevin Payne (started all 16 games in 2008), Danieal Manning (played nickel back for most of the 2008 season), Craig Steltz (struggled as a rookie), Brandon McGowan and Cameron Worrell. McGowan and Worrell will both be free agents.

I don't know who will start at the safety positions next season, but what I do know is Charles "Peanut" Tillman won't be making the switch to safety this offseason.

Did You Know? 2/14/09

Charles "Peanut" Tillman has forced 15 fumbles in six NFL seasons.

His 13 forced fumbles since 2005 are the most among cornerbacks in the league (Nate Clements is second with nine) and tied for ninth overall.

Charles" Peanut" Tillman tied a career high with four forced fumbles in 2008, which tied him for second among NFL cornerbacks behind only the New York Jets’ Dwight Lowery, who had five.

Tillman has surgery on shoulder

Cornerback Charles Tillman decided to have reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder today, which he injured September 28th against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tillman''s expected to make a full recovery.

Tillman played with injuries to both shoulders for three-quarters of the season.

Two weeks after suffering the original injury trying to tackle Eagles tight end Brent Celek, Tillman left the stadium in Atlanta with his left arm in a sling.

He missed the next game against Minnesota, but it was the right shoulder that had more damage with torn ligaments.

. He continued on and started 15 games, making 91 tackles -- the second-most in his six-year career -- even though the injuries made it more difficult for him to play the physical style he prefers.

It's not the first time Tillman has had shoulder issues.

He underwent surgery on a shoulder after the 2005 season because of frequent dislocations.

(AP)

Tillman was asked by a Chicago Sun-Times Reporter if he would move to safety, Here's his answer:

''I just try to play where the team needs me, 'I'll play corner. If the day came and they needed me to play safety, then that's my job. So be it, I would play safety. I'm a cornerback. You're not the only person that has asked me about it, but it doesn't bug me at all.''

all quotes from Chicagosuntimes.com

Cameron Worrell: Welcome Back

Cameron Worrell flew in Wednesday night to Chicago, and spent Christmas at the Charles Tillman's house.

He will sign a one-year deal today, which ultimately means one game, unless they resign him this offseason.

Cameron Worrell, who spent four seasons with the Bears and made 28 special-teams tackles in 2006, was placed on injured reserve and waived by the New York Jets in the preseason after a shoulder injury that required surgery 13 weeks ago.

Worrell was spending his time rehabbing with his family in California.

In the picture on the left, he is celebrating Devin Hester's touchdown return in Super Bowl XLI.


Worrell had this to say about his return:

'It wasn't an easy decision, and I wasn't really pursuing anything. With the Bears, I'm familiar with the system, and I know what is expected. I've been through playoff games here, and I know what is at stake.''

Worrell also had this to say:

“I’ve been through the system, I know what I’m doing. I picked it up fairly quickly when I came back. I’m just here to add some depth and do whatever they ask me to do.”

Tillman named Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

According to Chicagotribune.com, Cornerback Charles Tillman has been named the Bears nominee for the 2008 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The prestigious award is the only NFL award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service, support and activities as well as his playing excellence.

The award has been in existence since 1970 and honors NFL players who demonstrate outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities. In 1999, the league renamed the Man of the Year award after Walter Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field.

All 32 finalists, one from each NFL team, will receive a $1,000 contribution toward a charity of his choice, and the overall winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity.

The 2008 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner will be announced during Commissioner Roger Goodell’s press conference prior to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.

Orton Update

Kyle Orton was on the practice field for the second consecutive day as his right ankle continues to heal.

The ankle was wrapped, and the Bears' starting quarterback didn't run during warm-ups.

Orton's role in practice was expected to be limited, and no announcement was expected regarding his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) and cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulder) were limited as well.

Backup tackle Fred Miller sat out nursing a sore shoulder.

Safety Mike Brown, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and center Olin Kreutz were back at practice after a day of rest.

Running back Kevin Jones was back as well after missing Wednesday for personal reasons.

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-Falcons: Atlanta Rips the Game from Chicago's Hearts

How do the Chicago Bears allow a catch like that? How do they allow Michael Jenkins to get out of bounds?

How do the Bears call a FB dive on a 3rd-and-1 with eight minutes to go?

How do they squib kick it with 11 seconds to go?

Those are the questions many Bears fans are asking right now after a 22-20 stunning loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

We all know what happened.

Jason Elam kicked a 48-yard field goal with one second remaining on the clock.

The playcalling was awful for most of the game.

Kyle Orton ran the offense to perfection in two important drives in the second half.

Jason McKie is not the answer on a 3rd-and-1, either give it to Forte or run a QB sneak.

Ron Turner should be ashamed of himself.

The squib kick was really dumb because if you simply kicked it to Norwood, that would have been the last play of the game and it was unlikely he would of taken it to the house.

Lovie and all the coaches are to blame for this loss.

Players of the Game

1) Corey Graham played a great game filling in for Nathan Vasher.

2) Kyle Orton ran the offense perfectly.

3) Rashied Davis's TD catch was unbelievable.

4) Devin Hester really is a wide receiver.


Disappointments of the Game:

1) Brian Urlacher was invisible the whole game.

2) Special Teams.

3) Marcus Hamilton on the last play of the game.


What Now?

The Bears better hope they get either Nathan Vasher or Charles Tillman back soon, because they were getting beat all day by Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

They have a must-win game against the Vikings at Soldier Field next week.


What Disappointed Me the Most

The Bears didn't record one sack today.

They allowed the Falcons to get down the field through the entire game.

They allowed Jerious Norwood to return it into their own territory at the end of the game and got lucky that Jason Elam missed a 38-yard field goal.


Good Stuff

They run defense allowed only 57 yards from RB Michael Turner.


Bad Stuff

The linebackers were almost invisible today, with an exception of Hunter Hillenmeyer.


Other Stuff
The Bears' receivers played very well today.

The Alex Brown fumble that was overturned in the first half was an iffy call, and the Tommie Harris recovered fumble was very confusing.

Tommie Harris had to hear a whistle for him to get rid of the ball, but I don't know.

The Bears' secondary is really banged up.

Daniel Manning, Trumaine McBride, and Peanut Tillman all left the game with injuries.

My uncle Tivo'd the game and told me that the referees didn't start the play clock until Matt Ryan threw the ball.

If this game were in Chicago, the Bears would have won, because the referees would have started the clock when the ball was snapped.


Quote of the day

DT Dusty Dvoraceck said, "We usually never allow so many third-down conversions to be successful. That is our specialty and we didn't perform today. We couldn't get off the field."


What Now, pt. two?

The Bears are now in a bad spot.

If the Packers win, they will be tied with the Vikings and Bears for first place.

Next week is a must-win before the bye week for the Bears.


Did You Know?

The Lions had a pass-interference penalty called on the them at the end of the game, which set up a game-winning field goal by the Vikings.

The referees gave the Vikings that game.


Where the Bears Should Be?

Fans and sportscasters came into this season expecting the Bears to not be very good this season.

They have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL.

I knew they would be a good team, and they know they should be 6-0.

Instead, they're 3-3, and they have lost three games by a combined eight points.

They need to learn how to finish games.

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.”

Bears Win a Big One Sunday Night

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Chicago Bears should play all there games on Sunday night.

They looked great on offense in the first half and then great on defense in the second half.

What I liked the most, was that the Bears came away with seven points instead of just a field goal after turnovers, which killed them in the last two weeks.

The Bears came out in the no-huddle and Kyle Orton completed two big passes, to Rashied Davis and Greg Olsen, who finally had a good game.

Rashied Davis disappeared from the game after that catch.

Marty Booker awoke from the dead when he scored a big touchdown.

The big loss for the Bears is Brandon Lloyd, who was playing some good ball the last two weeks and obviously becoming the go-to-guy.

They really played some good ball in the first half.

Orton had a passer rating of 106.6 with his three touchdowns in the first two quarters, but Forte was shut down the whole game by the league's best run defense.

The second half was a whole different ball game the Bears came away with only a field goal which proved to be enough to win the game.

Orton's turnovers started after a Kevin Payne interception where the Bears had a the ball at the Eagles eight yard line and Orton through a pass to Dez Clark which was intercepted in the end zone.

He was intercepted one more time and fumbled after getting lit up by #58 Trent Cole of the Eagles.

The Bears play calling was very conservative in the second half unlike the first half, but the defense came up big the goal line stand at the end of the ball game and that was the difference this week.

Alex Brown made the touchdown saving tackle on that big goal-line stand.

You can say all you want that the Bears should be 4-0, we all know that but you can't look in the past when the future is right in front of you.

That was a huge win for the Bears for two reasons there now 2-2 atop the division with the Green Bay Packers and they play Detroit and Atlanta in the upcoming weeks.

Did You Notice?

Nick Roach took over for Hunter Hillenmeyer at LB for a couple of drives.

He also recovered a muffed punt made by Desean Jackson in the first half.

Kyle Orton tied his career high for TD's with three.

Who They Need Back for Next Week?

It would be nice to have Charles Tillman and Brandon Lloyd back next week, but who knows what there conditions currently are.

Also, Tommie Harris will probably not rush back to risk more damage to his knee, as Israel Idonije and Anthony Adams filled in well for the Pro-Bowler.

Best Quotes from the Game:

Mike Brown: “It’s make a play, everybody was thinking the same thing. I was the guy who got my hands on him, but we had other guys keep him out of the end zone. It wasn’t just me. I’m not going to sit here and take credit for it. That play was a complete defensive effort and it was a special way to end that game for us. It was great.”

Lance Briggs: “It was one of the best fourth-down finishes I’ve ever been a part of, finishing is the key.”

Rashied Davis: "Kyle was good; we won."

Greg Olsen: "We didn't play perfect, and we were still able to overcome mistakes and beat a good team."

Marty Booker: "We escaped and got lucky on this one."

Dusty Dvoracek: "I was shocked. I thought they'd run a quarterback sneak, it was six, eight inches from the goal line."

What to Expect Next Week?

Look for the Bears to take the lead early in this one against the Lions.

The defense should get pressure on QB Jon Kitna all game.

Buccaneers’ Trueblood, Bears’ Tillman fined $5,000

Tampa Bay’s Jeremy Trueblood and the Bears Charles "Peanut" Tillman were each fined $5,000 by the NFL for their roles in a skirmish during last week’s game between the Buccaneers and Bears.

The Bears had stopped Tampa Bay deep in its own territory in overtime when Trueblood took some shots at Chicago defensive end Adewale Ogunleye.

Peanut Tillman ran over and jumped on the pile, then got caught taking a swing at Michael Clayton.

That resulted in a 15-yard penalty that kept the drive going and led to a 21-yard field goal by Matt Bryant that lifted the Buccaneers to a 27-24 victory at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Bears Release Veteran Cornerback Ricky Manning Jr.

We all saw this coming.

Today veteran CB Ricky Manning Jr. was released by the Chicago Bears.

"Getting released was more emotional for my wife than me," Manning Jr said.

"She was a little upset that they said I was a part of the program, then they released me this late in the process when it could have been done a while ago. That would have made things easier for my family."

Manning Jr. signed with the Bears as a restricted free agent in 2006 off-season.

In two seasons with the Bears, Ricky Manning Jr. appeared in 31 games with 11 starts.

Manning Jr. had 106 tackles, three sacks and five interceptions in his time with the Bears.

Manning Jr. had no interceptions last season, while playing nickel-back with the Bears D.

All five interceptions made my him, came in the Super Bowl season.

Manning Jr. was a third round pick out of UCLA, by the Carolina Panthers.

He had 168 tackles and nine interceptions in his three seasons with Carolina.

Ricky skipped practice this morning, showing his displeasure towards the team.

He wants an opportunity to play as a starter, but with his stats from last year he might not have a chance.

Hopefully Manning Jr. will get a shot somewhere, he was very good in the Bears Super Bowl season.

Detroit, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Cleveland have said to have interest in Manning Jr.

People look at this move like the Chris Harris trade last off-season, which was terrible, but the Bears have plenty of CB's.

They not only have Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman, but they have Corey Graham, who is looking good and Trumaine McBride, who started in place of Vasher last season, due to injury.

The Bears defense will be fine, remember they didn't blitz at all in the Niners game.

This is what coach Lovie Smith had to say about the performance “Well, it’s still a preseason game. Do you not feel the same way? It’s a preseason game. You don’t want to play that bad obviously, but we did. We know what we need to correct, and we’ll do it. Come the Indy game, you won’t see that defense, I’ll tell you.”

They don't want to give away any plays for the other teams in the league.

Chicago Bears: Highlights From Training Camp, Day 2

Welcome back to Chicago Bears Training Camp highlights. Yesterday was the second day of training camp for the Bears and again no sign of Devin Hester.

But, they brought in another wide receiver from Hawaii Ryan Grice-Mullen. They signed the undrafted free agent after they released FB J.D. Runnels.

Ryan Grice-Mullen is 5'11" weighs about 183 and has a very slim chance of making the team, but he plays the slot and he could replace Devin Hester, if he never shows up again.

Ryan Grice Mullen is a rookie that signed with the Texans as an undrafted free-agent but was cut after the mini-camps.

I was a bit surprised that they didn't keep him around for longer, I thought Grice-Mullen was the best WR on Hawaii's team last year.

Other notes from yesterday:

Rookie LT Chris Williams leaves the field with a back injury, but Lovie Smith think he will be back on the field soon.

Kevin Jones is seen doing some drills. Hopefully he will compete for the starting with Matt Forte soon.

Little known WR Mike Hass who spent most of his time with the Bears on the practice squad made a nice catch thrown by Kyle Orton.

Charles Tillman and Olin Kreutz are still out.

Here is a video of Ryan Grice-Mullen--

Colt Brennan to Ryan Grice-Mullen

Ricky Manning Jr: Most Likely Chicago Bear to Be Traded

Do you think the Chicago Bears will trade Ricky Manning Jr?

Yes, it sure seems like he is the odd man out.

Ricky Manning Jr. signed with the Chicago Bears in 2006, he set a career high, and he tied for the team lead and tied for 10th in the NFL with five INTs

In the postseason he had a big INT against the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Playoff.

Became first Bears defensive back since Jerry Azumah (12/30/01) to record 2 sacks in one game (12/17/06 vs. TB Bucs).

Last season, Ricky Manning Jr. played in every regular season game, but failed to record an interception. He was the starting nickel back for the whole season.

The Chicago Bears are looking to use former first round pick Danieal Manning at nickelback because of the emergence of Brandon McGowan and Mike Brown coming back.

Besides the obvious starters Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, the Bears have two second year pros in Corey Graham and Trumaine McBride. Don't forget this years fifth round pick Zackary Bowman.

If they do move Ricky Manning Jr, it might work out like Chris Harris in last years training camp.

Chris Harris started 15 games with the Panthers last season, recorded one INT and eight forced fumbles.

All the Chicago Bears got in that trade was a fifth round pick.

I still am upset at that trade.

So, if they move Ricky Manning Jr. it could turn out the same as Chris Harris's last year in training camp.

It never hurts to have to many bodies and we all the know the Chicago Bears get alot of injuries.

It looks Ricky Manning Jr. who is signed through 2010, might get sent packing sooner than later.

Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher: Best Cornerback Tandem in the NFL Right Now?

I believe when Charles "Peanut" Tillman and Nathan Vasher are healthy, there’s not a better cornerback tandem in the NFL. They are simply the best

Their ability to create turnovers is the main reason i chose them. In 2005, Nathan Vasher had 8 Int's and Charles Tillman had 5 Int's tied for the NFC lead with 13 combined interceptions with Carolina’s Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas. I think losing Vasher last season was a big loss to the defense, because the games he did play in he made a huge impact. Also, Charles Tillman seems to try hard every single down. Since Vasher and Tillman have played together, which began in 2004. they have combined for 30 int's. WOW! Those are amazing stats.

I believe that Tillman is very underrated because of all the other great players on that defense. The only other top cornerback tandems that are almost as good as Tillman and Vasher are: Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer of the San Diego Chargers, Champ Bailey and Dre Bly of the Denver Broncos, and Al Harris and Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. You could even throw in new Eagle Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown as a good cornerback tandem.

In the end, if both stay healthy they are the best corneback tandem in the league and I hope to see that next season when they get on the field.