ON TO THE NEXT GAME
That's the message from Bears head coach Lovie Smith. He doesn't want the loss to Carolina to linger and cause another one to Tampa this week.
Bears safety Mike Brown apparently was heard to say, "Let's go to work", during the team meeting Monday. Players all feel the same about this loss to the Panthers. They gave it away.
HESTER INJURY
Saying simply that Devin Hester has a rib injury, Bears head coach Lovie Smith would not get into anything more about his star return man/receiver.
His status no doubt is a day-by-day thing. Hester was in a lot of pain leaving Carolina Sunday. Hester never returned after a kick return in the third quarter. He was not hit on the play.
WHO WOULD REPLACE HESTER?
If Hester is out for a game or more, the Bears have several quality options.
Danieal Manning would get the first crack on kickoffs. He's fast and has the ability to be a better than average return specialist. Punt returns were handled in the second half by Nathan Vasher, but it's possible rookie receiver Earl Bennett could be the choice. Rookie punt returners are prone to miscues, so it's not a simple decision.
TAPE REVIEW
After coaches reviewed the defensive tape of the loss to Carolina, starting safety Kevin Payne was credited with a team-high 13 tackles, followed by Dusty Dvoracek at defensive tackle with nine. Charles Tillman had seven. Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and rookie defensive tackle Marcus Harrison five each. Alex Brown had a sack and a tackle for loss.
TAMPA BAY PREVIEW
On 48 rushing attempts in two games, Tampa Bay has rushed for 310 yards and 6.5 yards-per carry. Those are big numbers against New Orleans and Atlanta.
Earnest Graham scored on a 68 yard touchdown run in Sunday's win over Atlanta. The Bucs defense intercepted Matt Ryan twice and defensive end Gaines Adams recorded two sacks.
Due to a major snow storm expecting to pummel the east coast the Chicago Bears game against the Baltimore Ravens has been changed to a 3:15 P.M. C.T. kick off.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester says he's sure there will be plenty of changes next season after a third straight year out of the playoffs.
MORE ON HESTER FROM JEFF JONIAK'S BLOG
Check out Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Green Bay Packers this sunday! Pre-Game is at 9A.M. C.T. kick off is at Noon. BEARS RADIO HQ
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