Countdown to Kickoff… Tony Fiammetta Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Jun 11, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Tony Flammetta (43) and Chicago Bears linebacker Jonathan Bostic (57) battle for the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

We decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals.  Thanks to one of our Twitter followers,se decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.

We’re Tony Fiammetta days from the official start of the Bears season.  Who knows, if Evan Rodriguez knew how to call a cab, Fiametta might not be here.

Fiammetta was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft out of Syracuse.  He was the top ranked fullback coming out of college.  After a couple of seasons with the Panthers, he was let go due to some concussion issues.  Not a great thing for a fullback to deal with.  He’s kicked around with Dallas and had a cup of coffee in New England before hooking up with the Bears.

Fiammetta has a decent chance to hang on with the bears since it doesn’t seem like there is another fullback in the competition.  With Trestman running a West Coast offense, there will definitely be in the thick of things.

Another notable #43 in Bears history is former player and coach Jim Dooley.  Dooley played for the Bears from 1952 – 1961.  He joined the coaching staff in ’62  before becoming the head coach from 1968 – 1971.  He succeeded Papa Bear, who retired before the ’68 season.

As defensive coordinator, Dooley created the strategy of putting in five defensive backs on third down, known then as  the “Dooley Shift.”  Now, of course, that is knows as the nickel defense.  Dooley even served as an advanced scout for the ’85 Bears.

We’re 43 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???