Adam L. Jahns’ “Read Options” column appears in Pro Football Weekly, which is available Thursday or Friday in the Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Rockford Register Star, Northwest Herald, Kankakee Daily Journal, Peoria Journal Star and on ProFootballWeekly.com.
Why watch the Bears?
Seriously.
What is there to enjoy about a team that is 2-7, missing two stars in receiver Alshon Jeffery and guard Kyle Long, and generating negative headlines?
“These guys have done pretty good about handling things, whether it’s been injury or now a suspension,” coach John Fox said. “I think they understand what’s at stake.”
And that would be?
Look, this season was about developing a young foundation of players to begin with, and now that’s all there is.
So turn away from quarterback Jay Cutler as you did Sunday against the Buccaneers, and closely watch the Bears’ first- and second-year players.
As for general manager Ryan Pace’s draft picks, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, center Cody Whitehair, running back Jordan Howard, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and safety Adrian Amos have emerged as foundation-caliber players, although the Bears still are waiting for big plays from Amos in the secondary.
The most important thing the Bears can do over the next seven weeks is to give other young players opportunities to play, develop and impress.
That’s all that matters for the rest of the season. It’s time to find out if any other players deserve to be mentioned with Floyd and Co.
Defensive end Jonathan Bullard is the next in line for more playing time. To ensure he gets it, Bullard should remain in the starting lineup even if Mitch Unrein is healthy.
The other rookies?
Safety Deon Bush needs to be permanently inserted into the rotation next to Amos. Bush should be the primary competition for Harold Jones-Quartey. Veteran Chris Prosinski should stick with special teams.
It also involves finding a way to get linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski on the field even though veterans Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan are playing well.
Cornerback Deiondre’ Hall is out with a sprained ankle, but he’s expected to return in two or three weeks. He needs to play a ton, too.
As far as second-year players, receiver Cameron Meredith, an undrafted free-agent signing, takes over as the Bears’ No. 1 receiver with Jeffery suspended for the next four games. He should get at least 10 targets a game.
With all the youth movements, there will be tough moments ahead, but that doesn’t matter. The players need to experience them. It’s their time. That’s all there is to watch for the rest of the season.
***
Let’s just be clear about this: Jeffery has no one to blame but himself for his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s rules for performance-enhancing drugs.
His statement was worded curiously, particularly for the phrasing “recommended supplement.” The wording opens the door to spread blame.
But stop it. Don’t do it.
Jeffery is a five-year veteran, not a rookie. Players are consistently reminded to check what they put into their bodies.
There literally are messages posted that warn them about meats that might be tainted with steroids or other banned substances.
This is on Jeffery. No one else.
***
Do you think the Bears miss Adam Gase? The former Bears offensive coordinator who connected with Cutler is currently the toast of the NFL.
Gase’s Dolphins have won four games in a row, and his owner is publicly praising him.
“I have the right guy now,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told reporters. “I have the guy I wanted. Adam has already changed the culture of the Miami Dolphins.”
