Countdown to Kickoff… 85 Days Until Chicago Bears Opener

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 Gabe Miller days away from kickoff!  Too bad Gabe Miller isn’t Gave Miller Days away from the start of his season.  You see, the new tight end for the Chicago Bears will be sitting out the first few weeks thanks to a suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy for performance enhancing drugs. Miller apologized after his suspension was announced:

"“While it was an isolated incident, I regret the poor judgment I showed and accept full responsibility for this mistake along with the punishment that comes with it,” Miller said in the statement. “In the meantime I will continue to work hard and contribute in any way I can. I look forward to having the opportunity to make this up to the people that I have disappointed.”"

Miller was a fifth round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011 out of Oregon State and spent some time in Seattle in 2012 before the Bears signed him to their practice squad.  With a crowded field of tight ends, Miller will have a tough climb to make the team in 2013, especially since he’s not eligible to return to action until September 30th. 85 hasn’t been a very notable number for the Bears historically.  The biggest name donning that number for the Bears was definitely Dennis “Silky D” McKinnon, wide receiver for the 85 Bears.  While McKinnon was a starting wide receiver on that team, he also handled punt return duties.  Here’s a highlight punt return from 1987 that I found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkkUJCjbi9Q We’re 85 days away from kickoff.  Are you ready???