Joniak's Journal: Keep An Eye On Willie Young
By Jeff Joniak-
(CBS) Football season is back, which means it's time for my weekly thoughts and journals. Chicago hosts Buffalo in its season opener Sunday at Soldier Field, and here's what's on the mind.
First impression
My first impression of the 2014 Bears is based on nothing that happened on the field during the four preseason games. It comes from conversations with a variety of veteran players who have been around a while. From my experience, these guys shoot straight when it comes to the outlook. The overall impression I received is a good one. They like this team. Of course, health matters, as does chemistry.
The first-team defense has yet to take a snap as a complete unit. The same is true for the offensive line. Concern is fair, but in my opinion, it's quieted by the resolve of the individuals involved. The character and seriousness of the players on both sides of the line of scrimmage sparks my optimism. The guys up front offer strength to lean on with a tough first half schedule that's loaded with challenges of time, place and opponent.
Second thought
Don't forget about defensive lineman Willie Young. He doesn't know exactly how he will be used yet, but his snaps will come when it's time to go get the quarterback. One of four free agent defensive ends signed by Bears general manager Phil Emery to make the 53-man roster, Young is one of my players to watch.
In 680 snaps with the Lions last season, he had three sacks but enough hurries to rank among the top 4-3 ends in the league. His snap volume will shrink with the Bears, keeping him fresh to scream off the edge. Opposite Jared Allen and with Lamarr Houston and Jeremiah Ratliff inside in the nickel package, I would expect Young to do some damage.
Third degree
Determining who does what, when and how much on special teams is one big chemistry test for coordinator Joe DeCamillis. It's true every season, but the Bears now have 26 new players on the roster, including 10 rookies. What the unit gains in overall speed they lose in experience. Seeking consistency from this unit will require some patience.
Getting the return game revved up starts with veteran Micheal Spurlock and possibly Santonio Holmes on punts. Fielding the punts cleanly and with security after a hit is the most important skill, and veterans in this role give more peace of mind. In terms of coverage, five running backs made the final cut. A back like Shaun Draughn becomes an important piece to the special teams puzzle. Two years ago, he had 263 snaps with Kansas City on special teams, including 23 kick returns for the Chiefs. In three games with Baltimore last season, Draughn had two kickoff returns and 17 total reps. Rookie Senorise Perry is in the plan as the kick returner as well.
Fourth and short
The Bears had the league's eighth-most efficient scoring offense in 2013 with 71 scoring drives (tie-10th), including 45 touchdown drives that tied for fifth-most in the league. However, they did so on only 182 possessions, which ranked tied for 27th in the league. If the Bears can squeeze into the 200-possession realm, the offense could skyrocket. Denver led the NFL with 71 touchdown drives in 202 possessions in 2013.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780. Follow him on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
