Joniak's Journal: Roster Shake-Up No Suprise
By Jeff Joniak--
(CBS) The Bears (0-3) host the Raiders (2-1) on Sunday at noon at Soldier Field. Here are my thoughts heading into the game.
First impression
Throughout the preseason, Bears general manager Ryan Pace hinted more than once that the front office would be looking for more pieces and assets throughout the season. So the recent reshaping of the roster shouldn't be surprising to anyone.
Moving Jared Allen to the Panthers sounds like it was a mutual parting, and getting a sixth-round pick is more return than expected. Dealing linebacker Jonathan Bostic, the 50th overall pick three years ago, for a sixth-rounder from the Patriots stings a bit, because he was a second-rounder.
Players are like cars nowadays, losing value as soon as they leave the showroom, with rare exception.
Safety Brock Vereen was the victim of two touchdowns in Seattle, including the second-half Tyler Lockett kickoff return. He was waived Tuesday.
Like coach John Fox said many times, players pick the team by their performances -- and not just in training camp. Expect weekly movement for the rest of the season.
Second thought
On the Bears Coaches Show on WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM on Monday night, Bears outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt gave thumbnails on the depth chart at the position now that Allen is a Panther. After being inactive in Seattle, Willie Young figures to get more snaps.
"With Willie, obviously with the pass rush, getting back into his comfort zone and really still getting comfortable coming off the injury that he had and getting that burst back (is important)," Hurtt said. "He's shown flashes there."
My guess is that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will use Young more as a pass rusher and Lamarr Houston more as a run stopper.
"Really gives you something in the run game when people want to try to get physical and pound you," Hurtt said of Houston. "He's a good athlete. He can play in short area spaces against route pickups and whatnot, and he's really coming along."
Sam Acho has the most experience at the outside linebacker positon, and Hurtt said while his pass rush is coming along, Acho's a player who can cover in space while being a hard, physical run defender at the point of attack.
Third degree
All the veteran outside linebackers still have to prove over the long haul they can defend the pass when asked to drop in coverage. You wonder when teams will start challenging the Bears in that regard on a more frequent basis until they prove they can do it.
"I accept that challenge," Hurtt said. "We've got smart guys in that room. Some things and sometimes when they are out there in space, it may not look the most natural. They know their weaknesses. They're aware of who they are as players and what their strengths are and also who their opponent is. I don't really worry about those matchups."
Fangio won't allow those players to get caught in too many of those situations. And if they do, they will have help.
Fourth-and-short
In a sneak peek of the 2-1 Oakland Raiders, the Bears will have to limit the yards after catch of their receivers, in particular rookie Amari Cooper and veteran Michael Crabtree. Both are strong tackle-breakers and can take a short-to-intermediate reception and move the chains.
Overall, the Raiders are seventh in the NFL in yards after the catch. Running back Latavius Murray is fifth among running backs in yards after contact.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780. Follow him on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
