Mike Tice
uses a strict grading system for his offensive linemen.
But when the offensive line coach finished reviewing film from Sunday’s victory over the Lions, he was pleased.
“When four of the five linemen grade (well), you win a lot of games,” Tice said.
All five made the grade in Tice’s book with center
Olin Kreutz
and left tackle
Chris Williams
leading the way. Now, Tice acknowledges there is work to be done as indicated in the failure to can’t score a touchdown on five snaps from the 1-yard line.
But though quarterback
Jay Cutler
was sacked four times, he ran out of bounds on one sprint out and another was a coverage sack in which the ball probably should have been thrown away.
“You don’t put 463 yards on the board (when) guys aren’t blocking people,” Tice said. “We put a lot of guys on the ground.”
Welcome back:
The Bears signed linebacker
Rod Wilson
to take the place of the injured
Hunter Hillenmeyer
late in the afternoon. But the Bears first targeted
Bryan Kehl,
who the Giants waived Tuesday, but he was awarded to the Rams. After that, Wilson was brought back in to complete his contract. Wilson should get a role on special teams immediately and can back up
Brian Urlacher.
The team practiced with only three linebackers as
Lance Briggs
(ankle) and
Nick Roach
(hamstring) were out.
Extra points:
Running back
Matt Forte
was named the NFC offensive player of the week. … Linebacker
Marcus Buggs
was signed to the practice squad and receiver
Greg Mathews
was let go. … Forte (knee) and receiver
Devin Aromashodu
(knee) were limited in practice. Safety
Craig Steltz
(ankle) practiced and was not on the injury report. Cowboys starting linemen
Marc Colombo
and
Kyle Kosier
practiced after missing Sunday’s game. … The Bears still are rotating in the secondary but veteran safety
Chris Harris
said, “I still am a starter.”
