Joniak's Journal: Discussion Continues About Bears' Future As Season Winds Down
By Jeff Joniak--
(CBS) The Bears (5-8) visit the Vikings (8-5) on Sunday for a noon game. Here are my observations heading into the game.
First impression
You can tell by the line of questioning this week from reporters that they're bankrolling some quotes and story ideas for what's going to happen after the season with this Bears roster. Some questions have been about the impact and relationship of soon-to-be-free-agent receiver Alshon Jeffrey and quarterback Jay Cutler. The inside linebacker discussion has continued with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this week about Navarro Bowman in San Francisco, in terms of what the "prototype" inside linebacker might be in Fangio's scheme. Bowman, by the way, is signed through 2018 by the 49ers.
There's been analysis of Kyle Long as a right tackle after his late move from right guard before the season opener against the Packers and where coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase envision his future position. As he faces questions about his future in the final season of his contract, running back Matt Forte has displayed continued professionalism and isn't making a fuss about losing some of his carries to rookie Jeremy Langford the last couple of weeks in this.
Second thought
Since their prep days in southern California, Bears center Hroniss Grasu and Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr have played against each nearly every season. Grasu played defensive end at Crespi High School in Encino. It was a powerhouse program in the San Fernando Valley, and its players are recruited and targeted hard by UCLA. Still, Grasu chose to attend Oregon.
Barr went to UCLA after being recruited out of Loyola High School in Los Angeles. Barr was a running back at that time, and Grasu faced him while playing defense. Barr shifted to linebacker at UCLA, and Grasu faced him each year in the highly competitive Pac-12.
On Sunday, they will meet as pros for the first time, and Grasu will need to know where Barr is every snap if the young star is healthy enough to play after missing his last start with groin and hand injuries. Barr is fourth in tackles for the Vikings and also has 2.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Grasu missed the Week 8 meeting with the Vikings due to a neck injury.
Third degree
Despite missing his explosiveness right now due to a sore knee, Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee remains the voice of the defense. He's fought through 11 games with the soreness to record five sacks, an interception and eight tackles for loss. His words are powerful in the locker room, and he's the symbol of the type of mentality and toughness the Bears seek moving forward from their players.
"Some of the guys get it," McPhee said. "Some of the guys understand that this is a violent game, and if you aren't going to be violent, ain't no need for you to be here."
That's not lip service from McPhee, who plays with that mindset and is looking for players who will follow his lead in that regard. In the bigger picture, Fox is looking for tough guys. Toughness carries many different definitions in football. It's about mental and physical toughness and also playing with an edge. Availability, durability and dependability would also check some boxes for Fox.
Fourth-and-short
Bears tight end Zach Miller is getting a lot of attention from writers covering the team. He's an easy player to root for, given his complicated journey as a former college quarterback-turned-NFL tight end and the barrage of devastating season-ending injuries he's incurred. Count Fox among those appreciative of the man's diligence and survival instincts. Miller's the subject of Sunday's Joniak's Journal in the second hour of the WBBM "Countdown to Kickoff" from Minneapolis.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780. Follow him on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
