The Bears` preseason agenda will range from appeasing the contract demands of veteran defensive tackle Steve McMichael to energizing a disheartened team that enters the 1990 season with a six-game losing streak.
With training camp slated to open Thursday in Platteville, Wis., the Bears are encouraged that first-round selection Mark Carrier of Southern Cal was signed on draft day. Last year, first-round picks Donnell Woolford and Trace Armstrong held out.
The Bears will have a five-game preseason schedule to assist in evaluating the 80-man squad that is expected to report to a mandatory 7 p.m. meeting Thursday before embarking on two-a-day workouts starting Friday.
Here is a look at some of the concerns the Bears will address in the next several weeks:
– Resolving the McMichael issue.
Money and greed are not so much the issue here as pride and respect. McMichael, who says he will settle for no less than $800,000 a year, wants to be near the same level as fellow defensive linemen Dan Hampton and Richard Dent, who makes $1.2 million a year.
McMichael is under contract to be paid $500,000 this year. Curiously, Hampton is an unsigned free agent after making $850,000 last year. Once the Bears come to terms with McMichael, it might be easier to slot Hampton.
Rated by his coaches as the top defensive player on a unit that slipped to 25th in the National Football League last season, McMichael has threatened to sit out the season if his contract is not renegotiated. The Bears would miss his presence as a player and teaching influence for young defensive linemen if he is not in uniform.
– The return of Hampton.
The Bears were brought to their knees last season when Hampton was brought to his. After sprinting to a 4-0 start, the Bears lost 10 of their next 12 after Hampton underwent the ninth and 10th knee operations of his NFL career. Hampton insists he still has a leg to stand on because there was no structural damage to the knees, but this is likely to be his last season.
– The quarterback derby.
This will be as big a topic of conversation as the proposed no-huddle offense. Mike Tomczak, who also hasn`t signed a new contract, and Jim Harbaugh will have to prove themselves again to coach Mike Ditka. Tomczak opened last season as the starter when the team was 4-0. But injuries and inconsistent play landed him on the bench in favor of Harbaugh, who set a club record for completion percentage.
”I think either one of them can start for us and we can win with them, and I mean win it all,” says Ditka. ”I would like to have one that emerges as a starter and the other as a very capable backup. I think you are in an age of football today when you better have a couple of people who can get the job done because of the chances of injury or just having bad days.”
– William Perry`s weight.
Last February, Ditka mandated that Perry report to training camp at 300 pounds or less. He was down to about 315 pounds during the mini-camp in May, and he looked improved. Perhaps of greater concern will be the progress of Perry`s knee after off-season surgery.
– Wide receivers.
With the departure of veteran wide receiver Dennis McKinnon to the Dallas Cowboys as a Plan B free agent, the Bears plan to end their system of rotating four men. Third-year receiver Wendell Davis and veteran Ron Morris will be given first shot, with Dennis Gentry and Glenn Kozlowski primed to play in special passing situations.
”I`d like to spread people out, move them around,” says Ditka. ”We`re going to get into three- and four-receiver sets without showing it.”
– The fullback predicament.
Brad Muster showed flashes of brilliance at times last season, especially as a receiver and blocker. But off-season lower-back surgery has left his return to full-time duty in doubt. Second-year fullback Bryan Bero, a developmental squad member last season, and draft pick Pat Chaffey of Oregon State are the backups unless another proven veteran can be acquired.
– Ditka`s future.
In the last year of his contract, Ditka wants to find out how much fun he can still have as the Bears` coach. Ditka, who has a 61-31 career record, admits he deserved a low grade for his performance last season. As he did at this time last year, Ditka vows he no longer will lose control along the sidelines or publicly castigate his players and assistant coaches.
”The problems we had last year were basically created within,” says Ditka, who guided the Bears to five straight NFC Central titles before the Minnesota Vikings unseated them last year.
– Rookie development.
Quarterback Peter Tom Willis, a third-round pick from Florida State;
linebacker Ron Cox, a second-round choice from Fresno State; defensive lineman Fred Washington, a second-round pick from Texas Christian; and defensive lineman Tim Ryan, a third-round choice from Southern Cal, should be given extensive looks. Additionally, potential punt returners Tony Moss of LSU and Johnny Bailey of Texas A&I could crack the lineup.
– Safeties.
The selection of Carrier with the sixth pick on the first round of the draft means the Bears are committed to providing him with a lot of playing time. Carrier would have to beat out veteran Shaun Gayle to start as a free safety. Gayle is coming off his best season as a pro.
If Carrier supplants veteran Dave Duerson, it would be as a strong safety. But Carrier`s 6-foot, 180-pound frame is better suited to free safety. – Backup running backs.
The loss of veteran backup Thomas Sanders to the San Diego Chargers as a Plan B free agent elevates second-year back Mark Green as the No. 1 stand-in for Neal Anderson, who last year had 1,275 yards rushing, 50 receptions and 15 TDs.
Green had season-ending knee surgery in 1989, but he is expected to be at full strength after performing well in a limited role.
