It is hard not to feel optimistic about the Chicago Bears after their showing in the preseason. Not only did they finish 4-0 with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, but three of their four victories have been blowouts. This is a testament both to their effort as well as their roster depth. Even the deep backups have performed well. However, not every position came away looking great. Matt Eberflus was asked about the team’s situation at defensive tackle, which looks alarmingly thin after losing Zacch Pickens to a training camp injury.
The Bears head coach didn’t sugarcoat it. Not only does he agree that depth isn’t where the team wants it to be, but he went so far as to practically confirm that the Bears will be hunting for help in the coming days.
“Yeah, it’s not as strong and as deep as you’d want, for sure. So there is a concern there. We’ll be looking at that as we go. I know (Byron) Cowart’s done a nice job in there for the limited time he’s played. And in practice, he’s looked good, so we have some options there, but we’re definitely going to look at that.”
While more than one moment led to this line of thinking for the Bears, it was hammered home last night when Kansas City rookie running back Carson Steele carried his team to a touchdown, covering 50 yards on four carries. Each of those carries was right up the middle. The inability of the Bears’ defensive tackles to maintain gap integrity wasn’t a good sign.
Chicago holds the 9th overall spot courtesy of their NFL draft position in April. That gives them a reasonable chance of landing a player or two they like. The Bears have had some good fortune on the wire before. It was how they got quality backup corner and special teams ace Josh Blackwell. Last year, they nabbed safety Quindell Johnson, who had an interception during the season. The Bears have solid scouts who should have good information on whoever becomes available next week. Final cuts take place on August 27th.
There is also an outside chance they seek help in the trade market. Teams tend to flip players for late round picks this time of year. Chicago acquired guard Dan Feeney for a 6th rounder last season. Depending on if they find someone who fits Matt Eberflus’ system, they could do the same at defensive tackle this time. Maybe they call Seattle about Jonathan Hankins or Jarran Reed. There is no telling how this goes. One can safely say the Bears aren’t afraid to be aggressive. Much of it depends on how severe the Pickens injury is.
