Rookie lineman Bryan Bulaga better bring his pepper spray to Soldier Field next week. Given tackle Chad Clifton's slow recovery from a strained knee, it seems likely that Bulaga will get the start against the Bears on Monday Night Football. In case you forgot, the Bears acquired veteran DE Julius Peppers in the offseason, and he has thus far performed to his usual standard. In 2 games, Peppers has 1 sack, 2 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble. That's big time production for a team that finished just 17th in total defense last season. He's an elite player who will certainly look to take advantage of a young rookie making his first start in the NFL. Of course, all of this is speculation based on Chad Clifton's availability. As per his modus operandi, mum's the word form head coach Mike McCarthy. I expect Clifton to be a game-day decision.Edit 9:05pm 9-21: I just wanted to clarify that no, Julius Peppers would not normally play opposite Bulaga's spot. However, if the rookie gets the start, you better believe Chicago will move Peppers over to give Bryan a taste of the NFL...
Photo courtesy of NFL.com
Bulaga is a whale! (Get it?) Let him play mano e mano against the best the NFL has to offer. No. 1 draft picks have to take the chance of being embarrassed in front of millions of people. After all, they earn millions!
ReplyDeleteHe's already proven himself to me. He worked the bulk of the Bills game and didn't blow it. Remember week 2 of last season against the Bengals when Clifton went down? Lang came in and gave up 5 sacks to Antwan Odom, who finished his season with 8 as an indicator of his typical production. In fairness the line is more cohesive now, but I don't think that comparison is altogether unfair. 5 sacks? Really? My face still hurts from all the wincing I did during that game...
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