SB Nation - Dusty Dvoracek

Analysis: How The Chicago Bears Look Coming Into Week 1

Brandon — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:37 -0000

by David Duprey - AP

I'm at a major disadvantage here because I didn't watch the Chicago Bears at all this preseason. I'm sure there are many Bears fans reading the site this week (Welcome!) so feel free to correct all my errors and omissions in the comments. Usually the preseason isn't very telling, but on the eve of the QB Jay Cutler era, it would've been nice to have gotten a sneak peak. Mitchell already looked at the matchups. I'm really trying to get a good look at the Bears.

A Tale of Two Pass Rushes. One thing the Bears and Packers had in common last season, that neither team wants to repeat again in 2009, is their inability to sack the quarterback. In 2008, Chicago had 28 sacks as a team and the Packers had 27. To address the problem, the Packers made major changes by hiring Dom Capers as defensive coordinator and converting to a 3-4 defense. On the other hand, Chicago didn't rock the boat. Lovie Smith will now call the defensive plays and defensive coordinator Bob Babich will focus on coaching the linebackers. The big addition in personnel was drafting DE/DT Jarron Gilbert in the 3rd round to provide an inside pass rush. They also drafted DE Henry Melton in the 4th round, but his season ended when he was placed on I.R. The bigger problem might be the ongoing injury problems to Pro Bowl DT Tommie Harris, who was playing on one leg in early August, and everyone is just expecting he'll be out with injuries at some point this season. Will the addition of Gilbert, and the return of Smith to the defensive play calling, be enough to improve their pass rush?

If the pass rush doesn't get to QB Aaron Rodgers, then he could be looking at a cast of unknowns in Chicago's secondary. It's all about injuries, injuries, injuries, as the Bears have been without three starters (CB Charles Tillman, CB Zack Bowman, and FS Daniel Manning) for most of the preseason. When the Bears depth chart was announced, and it showed CB Trumaine McBride, CB Nathan Vasher, and FS Al Afalava in the starting lineup, it seemed the general consensus in the comments was horror. Bowman was finally healthy last week at Cleveland. According to Kevin Seifert, Bowman should get his first career start, while Manning should play in the nickel.

Chicago was very good at stopping the run last season, and LB Lance Briggs and LB Brian Urlacher should lead a very good unit again in 2009. Although losing DT Dusty Dvoracek for the season with a torn ACL won't help their depth. But even great units have their bad days. RB Ryan Grant had his best game last season (145 yards and 1 TD) against Chicago at Lambeau.

How about the offense? After four paragraphs, you'd think I'd have something to say about the offense. GM Jerry Angelo has done everything he can to turn the offense around in one season. Cutler was a great QB in Denver, and he should still be great. To make sure Cutler starts all 16 games, they added three offensive lineman in free agency. LT Orlando Pace has made it through all of training camp without an injury and he'll start alongside returning LG Roberto Garza and C Olin Kreutz. RG Frank Omiyale was signed as a free agent from the Panthers, and former 1st round OL Chris Williams is at RT. WR Devin Hester and TE Greg Olson have never been great receivers, but Cutler could make them great. Every fantasy draft is expecting a break out season for RB Matt Forte. This should be the best offense the Bears have seen in many seasons, but it still has to prove it on the field.

In Chicago, the offense should be much better. But injuries are threatening to tear the defense apart. Will this season be a case of one step forward (on offense) and one step back (on defense) for the Bears?

NightLink: Bears Start Trimming Roster

Dane Noble — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:45:05 -0000

First roster cuts were due tomorrow, but Lovie Smith and company went ahead and got the first round out of the way today.

Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek was waived/injured. Wide receiver John Broussard, punter Richmond McGee and long snapper J.J. Milan were placed on waivers. McGee performed well during training camp but wasn't going to unseat veteran Brad Maynard.

Final cuts to 53 are due on Saturday. Teams can begin establishing an eight-man practice squad on Sunday.

That means 22 more players will not make the final squad. Head over to the Bears official site, and check out the roster. Take a stab at who you think will be cut... can you come up with 22 names?

NightLink: Secondary Healing Up

Dane Noble — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:55:32 -0000

Sunday will be not only the third preseason game for the Bears, but more importantly, the two week mark before the regular season kicks off. Injuries happen to every team during this time of year, and for the Bears, most of them have come to our already questionable defensive secondary.

Brad Biggs provides us with an update on some of these injuries.

Danieal Manning and Zack Bowman were both on the practice field at the start of practice this afternoon, and that's a good sign as the secondary continues to slowly round itself back into form. Cornerback Charles Tillman was out playing catch with the quarterbacks before the session got started, but he hasn't been cleared for drills yet. We'll see how much work the others get done today when coach Lovie Smith speaks after practice.

Biggs also noted that Henry Melton was wearing a walking boot.

Rookie defensive end Henry Melton was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot, and that's not a good sign with final cuts fast approaching. Melton really didn't do a whole lot in training camp, but he's incredibly athletic and the Bears admitted he was a project when they selected him in the fourth round from Texas. No word what the exact nature of his ankle injury is.

We can only hope that these injuries will be healed for the regular season, especially considering that we face Aaron Rogers and Ben Roethlisberger in the first two weeks of the season.

Also mentioned is Dusty Dvoracek, with a link to the most injured players of the last 10 years.

Dvoracek, who has been sidelined for 35 of 48 regular-season games over the last three seasons, will rank as the most inured player of the decade if he misses 11 games this season. The way his teammates spoke of him earlier this week, it's apparent they have been told to expect him to miss the season.

In the meantime, here is a link to the Bears official depth chart, per chicagobears.com.

Position Batles: Defensive Line

Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:00:10 -0000

In playing the defensive line, the more versatile you are the better your chances are at sticking around, especially for the reserves. A guy like Israel Idonije will have a long career in the NFL because he can play every spot along the line. Last year the Bears opened up with five true DT's, three true DE's and Idonije. Before the '08 season Izzy bulked up to get more reps at DT, but he was still capable of playing DE. This year he got his weight back down (270) to play more DE, but he's seen action at DT in both preseason games so far.

With 13 defensive linemen on the roster as of today, versitality will be key in making final decisions regarding cuts.

Losing Dusty Dvoracek to another season ending injury (or is it...)thins out the depth at DT, but I thought he was on the bubble anyway. It's cliché to say, but no one works harder than Dusty when it comes to getting ready to play. Kid has battled back every year to get ready for the season, only to have lady luck frown on him again and again. I wish him (as I'm sure most Bears fans do) good luck.

Among the DT's, you have to figure rookie third round pick Jarron Gilbert is a lock to make the team. He's been getting reps at the 3 technique DT, but he has the speed and quickness to spell DE on occasion. Fellow rookie Henry Melton was drafted to compete at DE, but in the N.Y. game he was getting reps at DT. Versatile. Melton was sold as more of a project type, but I've liked what I've seen of him so far, and wouldn't be surprised if he stuck.

Of the true DT's sure to stick, Anthony Adams and Marcus Harrisonwill fight it out for the starting NT job, but both will see plenty of reps. Last year Harrison backed up at the 3 Technique, so I could see him getting some reps there out of necessity, along with the aforementioned Izzy Idonije who is listed as a DT, but will see action at DE, and will definitely be on the '09 roster. Versatile. Last year DT Matt Toeaina opened up on the '09 squad, I saw him as a bubble guy before the Dvoracek news, but now he might stick as the third NT. And of course, Tommie Harris will be around even if he's battling injuries all year. If you count Harris, Gilbert, Adams, Harrison, Idonijie, and Toeania as the 6 DT's you're left with the same 3 DE's as last year, for 9 defensive linemen total (same as last year).

DE's Alex Brown, Adawale Ogunleye, and Mark Anderson all look to be definitely returning this year. I haven't been very impressed with Mark Anderson since his rookie year (has anyone?), but I think he'll stick around to see if Rod Marinellican make him a complete DE. Both he and Ogunleye are in their contract year and I don't expect them both back in 2010. This year will be an audition of sorts; Does Adawale have enough left in the tank for 1 more Bears contract? Will Anderson show enough in '09 to warrant him getting a new deal? I expect Joe Clermond and Ervin Baldwin will be released.

So, if Henry Melton is to stay around, with the scenario I described above, the Bears would have to keep 10 D-Linemen. Highly unlikely. With Melton's size/speed combo he could be a core special teamer, but can the Bears justify keeping him over Toenia? Especially with the injury history of Tommie Harris? If Melton can make strides as a DT he might make the decision a tough one. The practice squad would be an option for Melton if he can be brought back. An alternative, as broached by SackMan, is to bring in a more established DT. I could see the Bears scouring over the veteran cuts and replacing Toeania before the season starts.

With regards to Melton vs. Toenia, you have to gauge need vs. upside. Is the potential of Melton enough to outweigh the need of another true DT? I'd like to see Melton make the team, but at what cost, I'm not sure.

Poll

Henry Melton?

makes the 53 man roster...

337 votes

is cut, but brought back for the practice squad...

213 votes

is cut and signed by another team...

41 votes

is cut, never to be heard from again...

18 votes

609 votes | Poll has closed

NightLink: Hester in Wildcat, and Dvoracek's Job Safe?

Dane Noble — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:00:23 -0000

Devin Hester has shown that he is a viable threat to score every time he touches the football, and the Bears paid him handsomely for his talent. We have discussed previously different ways that Hester could be utilized on offense, and many of you mentioned the Wildcat offense. Could we see more of that?

Maybe, considering Jay Cutler single-handedly brings a few extra dimensions to our offense. We will be able to be more creative with our playcalling, and certainly will try and get the ball into Hester's hands as much as possible.

Larry Mayer:

Given Devin Hester’s rare athletic ability, I’d say the possibilities are endless in terms of how he could be utilized on offense. I know that last season he lined up inside and outside and also ran one play out of the Wildcat formation, taking a direct snap and running for 12 yards in a win over the St. Louis Rams. I’m sure we can expect more of the same this year.

Mayer also discusses whether Dusty Dvoracek is "on the bubble" this season, as many of you expect that he is.

I don’t see Dusty Dvoracek as being on the bubble this summer. To me, though, it is a make-or-break year for him. He’s ended the past three seasons on injured reserve and must prove to the Bears that he can remain healthy. In addition, he’s entering the final year of his contract. Personally, I expect Dvoracek to be a key contributor as part of the defensive line rotation. He has recovered from the biceps injury that forced him to miss the final four games last year and is working as hard as ever. Players are officially off until training camp, but I spotted Dvoracek busting his butt lifting weights this morning at Halas Hall.

I don't know which way the Bears are leaning with Dvoracek, but I would have to think that if they are struggling with the final 53 man roster, Dusty's name would certainly have to come up.

The Bears Den - 5/29/09

ChiFan13 — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:18 -0000

....where we really, really hope that Rashied Davis doesn't have a baby (courtesy of ifuwanna). Also, give IslandBoodler87 a big Happy Birthday!

In The Den

Chicago Bears.com

15 Bears rookies lent a hand at the Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday.

As GB brought you last night, Dusty Dvoracek is super excited to play this year.

Chicago Sun Times

Brad Biggs is running a poll: Should the Bears seek some help at WR? (if you don't vote yes, consider yourself banned)

Biggs also takes a look at the WR production vs. playing time in the 2008 season. Rashied Davis was on the field more than any other wideout. Goo.

Chicago Tribune

As GB brought you last night, Israel Idonije is planning on losing some weight prior to training camp.

Daily Herald

Bob LeGere wants LTP really really bad.

ESPN Chicago

According to Jeff Dickerson, his mailbag had mixed reactions to the Matt Jones and Plaxico Burress rumors.

NightLink II: Dusty Dvoracek Feeling Optimistic

Dane Noble — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:37:56 -0000

Being constantly hammered by Chicago Bears fans and media, Dusty Dvoracek is trying to look beyond the injury-plagued seasons and move into a productive role with the defense.

It’s frustrating and I’m sick of it, and that’s why I feel this is going to be a year of injury-free football," Dvoracek said. "It’s obviously not the way I wanted to go about my career in Chicago, and as frustrated as I’m sure the fans and the media seem to get with me, I get just as frustrated.

But that’s over. That’s already happened. I’ve been hurt. I’m healthy now and that’s how I’m looking at it. If I dwell on it, nothing good’s going to come of that. I’m just excited that I’m to a point where I’m healthy and ready to go and I have a great coach like Rod Marinelli to make me become the player that I’ve felt I always could be and that I’m going to be, so I’m just excited about that opportunity

Dusty also mentioned how he feels about Rod Marinelli.

He’s the best teacher of football I’ve ever been around in my life,” Dvoracek said. “He’s so knowledgeable and he does such a good job of explaining what he’s talking about to players and breaking everything down. He tapes every single thing we do, goes over it and teaches us how to be better players.

“He hammers the pass rush like nobody ever. We work pass rush every day over and over. Not that the coaches before hadn’t done a good job. I just think he’s amazing.”

A lot of Bears fans will think it is amazing if Dvoracek can make it through a 16 game season.

At the time of his injury last season, Dvoracek led all Bears linemen with 40 tackles. He registered 17 tackles in a four-game span, but acknowledged that he then struggled in back-to-back losses to the Titans and Packers.

“Everybody has a few bad games here and there,” Dvoracek said. “But as a whole, I felt that I’ve played at a pretty high level in the NFL when I’ve been healthy. One thing I take as a positive is that I’ve started 13 games in three years. I haven’t taken three full seasons of the pounding.

The article also mentions that Dusty has a couple of newspaper articles that were writing him off taped to his locker that he is using for motivation. With all of his optimism, and him looking for motivation, I bet he could peruse some of the comment sections here at WCG and get all the motivation he could need.

Personally, I expect nothing from Dusty D. So it will be an added bonus if he can actually get on the field and contribute in 2009. Sounds like his head is in the right place... hopefully his body can stay there too.

Do you think Dusty can stay healthy for 16 (or more) games in 2009?

Simeon Rice Wants a Job

Adam T — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:00:16 -0000

I have on a few occasions taken it upon myself to generate some unsubstantiated rumors. I know most rumors are that, but probably moreso when I do it. I had some succes with a post about Jon Kitna last off season I believe.

Simeon Rice is not currently in football, but he wants to be and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get back in. He has used Chicago's name once before now he does it again, this time name dropping Rod Marinelli's name.

“That’d be a nice situation, you’ve got Rod Marinelli up there and it’s a good situation if it can get around that way,” Rice said.

He goes further to say that his agent has said there are a few interested, but I think that is Rice and his agent trying to drum up business. Rice has been on every radio station he can get on selling his skills. If a team was interested, they would have hosted him already.

From Chicago's standpoint, Rice and company should take a look at our roster. Whether you like them is another question, but the Bears are stacked on the defensive line. The only castaways we currently can guess at would be Dvorcek or Ogunleye. Rice is a defensive end, so Dvorcek being cut wouldn't do him any good. As far as Wale, why replace a high priced vet with an even older vet who still thinks he deserves a decent contract?

Josh Bullocks and Kevin Payne open camp at safety

Adam T — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:38:05 -0000

Not that this suprises anybody, but there was still some question left. At the opening of mini-camp, Josh Bullocks started at free safety and Kevin Payne started at strong safety.

Bullocks gets the nod, because he is a very good tackler.

Zackary Bowman is Bullocks back up and Craig Steltz will back up Payne.

Other notes from camp:

Hunter Hillenmeyer (hand) and Dusty Dvoracek (bicep) will miss this weeks mini-camp.

Frank Omilaye will work exclusively at left guard.

Charles Tillman and Trumaine McBride were sidelines at the start of camp. Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham will run as starters until they are back.

Dvoracek Goes To IR, Bears Sign Receiver

Adam T — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:45:28 -0000

Nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek officially ended his thrid straight season on the IR. The Bears placed him there after tearing a bicep. I guess at least he got through 12 games. It hurts depth, but so far Anthony Adams has played well, so it hasn't hurt our starters yet.

With the extra spot the Bears sign WR Devin Aromashodu off of the Washington Redskins practice squad.

I am assuming this is a pickup to help on special teams. We already have receivers (Brandon Rideau and Earl Bennett) who aren't seeing the field. Maybe we don't need another guy who can't make an active roster.

I would also think with the rate that our secondary gets hurt and with the New Orleans Saints coming to town, maybe it would have been in our best interest to pick up an extra defensive back.