Slicing The Steel Curtain: Bears News And Notes
By Rob Winn in News on Sep 19, 2013 8:20PM
The Bears head into their first nationally televised game with a 2-0 record and back-to-back comeback wins under their belt. Surprisingly, in two short weeks the national conversation has shifted from Jay Cutler the frowning malcontent to "Comeback Cutler." Even though the Bears have won two games against teams that made last year's playoffs, turnovers and the struggles of the defensive line indicate they still have a long way to go. With Week 3 fast approaching here is the news coming out of Halas Hall.
Defensive Line Woes
One of the few sore spots for the Bears as they enter Week 3 is the slow start from the defensive line. Julius Peppers and Henry Melton have had two unspectacular weeks. Neither has recorded a sack this season and they only have four tackles between them. Both players missed large portions of training camp with injuries. Peppers claims he has fully recovered from the flu that kept him out of practice all week and left him at less than 100 percent against Minnesota.
"This week [the pass rush is] going to be improved. I'm not interested in talking about anything from last week. My focus is on Pittsburgh and getting better." Peppers told the media Wednesday. Time will tell if the defensive line is able to get things going, especially against the depleted offensive line of the Steelers. Either way the Bears can't be happy with a under-performing highly paid pass rusher and a franchise-tagged defensive tackle.
Nicks and Bruises
Bears escaped the first two weeks of the season without losing a player for an extended period of time, but a few have been held out of practice to recover from minor injuries. Cornerback Charles Tillman was held out of practice Wedsneday to recover from a slight knee injury. He is expected to play against the Steelers Sunday. Tight end Martellus Bennett practiced on a limited basis as he nurses a bruised shoulder and offensive tackle Kyle Long was limited with a slight back injury. Both are expected to play Sunday.
Respecting The Past
The Bears aren't looking past Pittsburgh, even though the Steelers are struggling and appear past their prime. Head coach Marc Trestman was quick to praise Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, saying "They've got a Hall of Fame quarterback who has the ability to extend plays like no other quarterback in my recollection." Even though the Steelers look like a shell of their former selves, they do have the stars and the coaching to win any given game. That especially holds true, since the Steelers are at home with their backs against the wall.