Position Battle #1: Safety


Hello all!

  This begins my look at the training camp battles currently being waged in steamy Bourbonnais, Illinois (which shall now and forevermore be referred to as BEARbonnais). It is no secret that a large part of the Bears' horrible defensive play in 2013 stemmed from general mass confusion at the safety position. To the surprise of absolutely no one, this position promises to have a completely new look in 2014. One half of last season's starting duo remains on the roster (Chris Conte) while the other (walking trash fire Major Wright) has departed to rest once again in Lovie Smith's cologne-scented bosom - this time in Tampa. Conte must sit and watch his job disappear as he rehabs from off-season shoulder surgery (oh, THAT was his problem???); the Bears have signed several middling-to-extremely capable options to take the starting reins. Ryan Mundy, formerly of the Giants, is currently battling with M.D. Jennings - a former member of Those Damnable Wretches from Green Bay. Roughly a month ago, the Bears signed former Arizona All-Pro Adrian Wilson (who appears healthy after missing all of last season with a heel injury) and drafted Brock Vereen out of the University of Minnesota. Vereen was the star of the spring OTAs, eventually lining up with the #1 defense for stretches at a time. Heading into camp, it appeared that Mundy and Vereen possibly had the inside track to being named 2014 starters.

  Now, what I find somewhat odd is that after 3 days of camp, NO ONE is reporting on this CRUCIAL position battle. For all we know, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is throwing darts at a board to see who lines up with the 'ones' each day. I can only assume that the media silence is to be interpreted as an abject lack of surprise at what is transpiring - Mundy is solid if not spectacular, Wilson looks great in pads and stands to be a leader on the defense, Jennings is most likely slated for special teams duty, and Vereen looks to be a dark horse starter/special teams lock. The real 'X' factor in all this is if Chris Conte can put his MYRIAD of problems behind him and play more like the guy from 2011 - someone who didn't exactly remind you of Mike Brown but made enough plays for you to be comfortable with him roaming the secondary. To the Chicago media - I would VERY much appreciate an update on all this.

  MY TAKE: Personally, I would love to see Wilson and Vereen as the starters - provided Wilson remains healthy and Vereen continues to show Mike Brown-like instincts. Short of that, I would be okay with Mundy with either of the first two but would look to continue to upgrade the position. Exciting times in the shadow of Kankakee.

Next position battle (and next post): Backup Quarterback

Cheers and BEAR DOWN!!!