CSF Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 From Chicagosports.com: McQuarters shifts to safety Move makes room for Tillman at CB By David Haugh Tribune staff reporter December 2, 2004 From the day he took the job, Bears coach Lovie Smith has maintained his desire to get the 11 best players on the field at the same time. Starting cornerback Charles Tillman's return Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings challenged Smith to devise a way to do that defensively, and he found a creative way. Expect veteran cornerback R.W. McQuarters to start at free safety against the Vikings to make room for Tillman, who will start opposite Jerry Azumah. Rookie cornerback Nathan Vasher, the team's interceptions leader with four, will be in the mix on nickel downs. Todd Johnson, who has not made enough big plays for the coaching staff's liking subbing for the injured Mike Brown, will take a seat. Smith toyed with questions Wednesday about who would start opposite Tillman before finally naming Azumah. "R.W. McQuarters will be out there helping us win," Smith said. He made a similar position switch with Pro Bowl cornerback Aeneas Williams when Smith was the defensive coordinator in St. Louis. Brown signs extension Capping negotiations that began heating up a month ago, the Bears signed defensive end Alex Brown to a four-year contract extension through 2009. Financial terms were not yet available and Brown asked the team to do what it could to prevent the numbers, which eventually will be filed with the NFL Players Association, from surfacing. Brown's original deal was set to expire in 2005 and Brown, one of the team's surprise defensive players this season, could have become a restricted free agent next winter. But he had no desire to leave Chicago. "Alex made a commitment that he wants to be a Bear his entire career and directed me to get a deal done," agent Joel Segal said. Brown has 5.5 sacks with 38 tackles and six pass break-ups. Injury update Defensive tackle Tommie Harris did not practice and is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle—not a knee as Smith said Monday. If Harris is limited, defensive end Michael Haynes expects to see more action at defensive tackle, as he did against Dallas when he had a sack. "It wouldn't surprise me, just to give him a break," Haynes said. … Right tackle John Tait was listed as doubtful with a sprained knee. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (leg) and fullback Bryan Johnson (foot) did not practice. Johnson is questionable and Ogunleye is probable. … In a switch from the plan Smith discussed Monday, Steve Edwards will settle in at right guard and Terrence Metcalf will step in at left guard. Rex Tucker will back up both positions, offensive coordinator Terry Shea said. … Guard Ruben Brown did not undergo neck surgery as scheduled but will within the next week, Smith said. Sad news Chad Hutchinson played quarterback at Stanford under recently fired Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham, so Tuesday's stunning news saddened the Bears quarterback. "I love that man," Hutchinson said. "He gave me an opportunity and [is] one of the best coaches I ever had, at any level. It's sad to see. I don't think he was given a chance there to do what he's capable of doing." Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune Plus, I heard on the news tonight that Urlacher should start vs the Vikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 Was just going to mention Rdub was getting moved to FS. Personally I like this move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 Has R-Dub played Free Safety before? Don't recall him doing so here. Seems logical. The guy can make plays but get burnt one on one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoodAsGould Posted December 2, 2004 Share Posted December 2, 2004 yeah i like it keeps tillman on the field and still gives vasher playing time too and mcmillon sucked ass so glad to see him gone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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