Rex Grossman is far from the only young player the Bears’ coaching staff has developed this year
(1) Charles Tillman, cornerback
Sunday confirmed what defensive coordinator Greg Blache predicted about Tillman on draft day: He has All-Pro skills. His promotion into the starting lineup Oct. 5 restored a missing swagger to a struggling Bears’ defense and slowly transformed the unit by providing the shut-down cornerback it lacked.
(2) Steve Edwards, left guard
He has emerged as the Bears’ most versatile lineman, providing depth at both tackles while performing adequately at guard. Edwards has improved to the point where the Bears depend on him enough to consider him as a starter when pondering starting options for next season when veterans Rex Tucker and Marc Colombo return from injuries.
(3) Justin Gage, wide receiver
The Bears thought enough of Gage’s ability to make him the primary receiver on Grossman’s first pass as a pro on the opening play of Sunday’s game. He still needs to improve his hands but no question he gives the Bears the big-play option that left town with Marcus Robinson.
(4) Lance Briggs, linebacker
As well as Briggs has played in recent weeks, hard to believe that it took him four games to break into the starting lineup. At times, stopping the run, he looks more active and obvious than Brian Urlacher. He still makes mistakes covering the tight end but will only get better as he settles into the position for many years to come.
(5) Bobby Gray, strong safety
Blache suggested otherwise last week, but Gray continues to show up where the ball is. He stops the run better than Mike Green, but the coaching staff says Green provides tighter coverage and gets people lined up. That may be true, but all Gray does is make plays, and the more he has played this season, the more obvious that has been.
