Countdown to Kickoff… 93 Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins (93) and Stephen Paea (92) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
I decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Thanks to one of my followers on Twitter @Beneiserle, I decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.
We’re Nate Collins days away from the Chicago Bears regular season opener. Let’s get to know the defensive tackle going into his second season with the Bears. Collins was signed just over a year ago, and shortly afterwards, it was announced that Collins would be suspended for one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Collins showed flashes as a defensive tackle last season. He made a strong impression in camp and it carried him into the defensive tackle rotation. The pressure is on Collins to step up his game in 2013. He will definitely have more opportunities. He’s next up behind Stephen Paea at the nose tackle position spot. He should have a leg up on some of his teammates since he has experience working with new DC Mel Tucker, who coached him when they were in Jacksonville together in 2010 and 2011.
The defensive tackle position is an area where I thought the Bears could have added some help in the draft and when they passed on Sharrif Floyd I though they made a big mistake. I guess we’ll see about that, as the Bears will see Floyd twice a year with the Vikings.
Other notable 93’s in recent Bears history include Adewale “The Prince” Ogunleye, Phillip Daniels, Paul Grasmanis and Trace Armstrong.
We’re just 93 days away from kickoff. Are you ready???