In his first two games as Dan Hampton`s replacement, Bears defensive end Al Harris was credited with only one tackle and one deflected pass.
After his third game, he was named National Football Conference defensive player of the week.
”I`m stunned,” Harris said when he heard the news Wednesday.
Against Green Bay last Sunday, Harris had five tackles, a sack, a pass deflection in the end zone, and two blocked field goals.
”I`m gradually getting better,” he said.
Offensive tackle Paul Blair won`t have the luxury of time to improve. If Blair has to fill in for injured left tackle Jim Covert Sunday night against the Vikings in Minnesota, he will be lining up across from one of the best new pass rushers in football, Chris Doleman.
”I`m getting ready to look at film of him right now,” Blair said Wednesday. ”I heard he has 10 sacks. Must be a good player.”
Covert is limping on a severely sprained left ankle and is listed as
”questionable” for the game, giving him a 50-50 chance of playing.
”I think by Sunday he`ll be ready to play,” Blair said.
Coach Mike Ditka called Covert`s chances ”doubtful” after practice Wednesday. Covert isn`t expected to try to practice until Friday.
Covert can`t even give Blair many tips. Doleman was two years behind Covert at Pitt, but Doleman was a linebacker who wasn`t converted to end until this season.
”It will be like being thrown in the deep end of a pool. Either swim to the side or drown,” Blair said.
Except for quarterback, depth is something Ditka hasn`t had to worry about in recent years.
Harris said he expects the Vikings to test him and left linebacker Ron Rivera, who is replacing injured Otis Wilson.
”Green Bay tried to test us and Minnesota probably will try to test us again,” Harris said. ”Anytime there are two new players on one side, it`s a temptation to check these guys out.”
In Blair`s case, the Bears can help him with Doleman by keeping a tight end or running back in to block.
”But you still have to block him,” Ditka said. ”You can`t change everything just for one man. The other guy is just as good, (left end) Doug Martin.”
Second-year man Blair said left tackle is not his favorite spot.
”I don`t really like it at all, but who does?” Blair said. ”Jimbo is the only person I know who does because he`s played it all his life.
”Doleman is a fast player, a Lawrence Taylor type, I imagine. So I`ll have my hands full. But I`m not worried about it. After practicing against the guys on our team it shouldn`t be that big a difference.”
Harris has five blocked kicks this year-three field goals against Green Bay, an extra point against Tampa Bay and an extra point against the Giants.
As a regular defensive end, he said he was tentative against Denver.
”I was thinking too much and not reacting. That just comes from week to week. My second game against Detroit, I played a little better,” Harris said. This was the first time Harris has been named NFC defensive player of the week. The honor is not included among his list of contract incentive bonuses. ”I should have put it in. I had two years to think about it,” Harris said, referring to the 1985 season he missed in a contract dispute.
Harris thought of another way to cash in.
”I`ve got to talk to McKinnon,” he said.
After flanker Dennis McKinnon had criticized defensive strategy and special teams blocking last week, he offered $200 to the special teams player of the Green Bay game. Harris won.
A Minneapolis radio station has suggested that Ditka wear roller skates into the Metrodome since Ditka referred to it as a ”Rollerdome” unfit for sports. ”I might,” Ditka said. ”It`s not out of the question. Roller skates and a tuxedo. Carry a whip, too.
”I have my reasons for everything. You`ll find out in life usually when I say things, they bother people who listen a heck of a lot more than they bother me.”
Ditka doesn`t expect the fans to keep quiet in the noisy dome, but perhaps the officials will listen to his pleas for law and order and give the Bears time to run plays.
