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Bears Fri Oct 19 2012
Cutting Williams Should Give Notice to Bears Linemen
"You guys seem to talk about the (offensive) line much more than we do." —Lovie Smith
There's a reason for that, Lovie. Sometimes the coaching staff is afraid to admit weaknesses on the team. Morale purposes, competitive purposes, whatever the reason, we get it. But that's not a reason to serve up a smart alec comment to a reporter. It's also a flat out lie. I'm sure the offensive line is a hot topic internally on a weekly basis.
Asking questions about the offensive line is legitimate at any time during the season. Even more so after the team cut backup tackle Chris Williams, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft. Williams struggled with injuries, inconsistent play, constant position changes and general ineffectiveness in four-plus years with the Bears.
The loss isn't a major one considering Williams had barely played this season. He was even inactive for the last two games, ceding his backup spot to veteran Jonathon Scott. It was time for a change of scenery, and the Bears needed to acquire depth elsewhere - signing former cornerback Zack Bowman to chip in on special teams. Don't worry about Williams though. He'll undoubtedly find work somewhere in a league that is starving for any semblance of offensive line talent.
It's also a notice to right tackle Gabe Carimi: improve, or you'll be looking for a new job. The new regime isn't afraid to cut first rounders drafted by Jerry Angelo. Carimi struggled mightily in the 41-3 drubbing of the Jaguars two Sundays ago. Sure, the Bears were able to easily overcome his mistakes, but they won't have that luxury against the line of opponents waiting for them in November and December. He's got a bit longer leash since this is his first full season playing, but repeats of last week won't be tolerated.
Five paragraphs into a post about the offensive line, and I haven't even mentioned J'Marcus Webb. I should receive an award for that level of restraint. The best offensive linemen are the ones you don't have to talk about. In the past two weeks, Webb has played solid. Not great, but Jay Cutler hasn't been spending near as much time on his back. Mike Tice should get some thanks for that -- lining up a tight end or a running back to chip the defensive end or even stay in for double teams to take the pressure off the youngster. Don't think that cutting Williams didn't give Webb some pause, though.
What, would you rather us talk about the future non-relationship between Cutler and Terry Bradshaw?
