Second String Comes Through

Almost as amazing as the Chicago Bears’ goal line stand in Sunday’s match against the Philadelphia Eagles was the fact that three starters were out with injuries.  Tommie Harris (knee), Brandon Lloyd (knee) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) were all sidelined, leaving Israel Idonije, Devin Hester and Corey Graham to fill in.  Defense end Adewale Ogunleye spoke of the subs, saying, “We pride ourselves on the depth of this team. I think all 53 guys can play. Coaches always emphasize that if you’re on this team, we need you to contribute one day or another and that’s what it’s coming down to, especially guys like Israel Idonije stepping up like he did.”

Idonije started the game while both Hester and Graham filled in part way through the game when starters were injured.  Hester ended up with a 20-yard touchdown near the end of the first half and Idonije had one sack against the elusive Donovan McNabb.  The fact that the Bears pulled out a big win with backups bodes well for the rest of the season.  Most of the teams in the NFL have a decent starting lineup, but it is the backups that separate who makes the post season and limps into the offseason.  Reserve your Chicago Bears tickets at StubHub.com.

Permalink - Posted in General on October 1, 2008 - Post a comment