Countdown to Kickoff… Zack Bowman Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears cornerback Zackary Bowman (38) celebrates with cornerback Tim Jennings (26) after recovering a fumble for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-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, we decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.

We’re Zackary Bowman days until the start of the Bears season.  That’s 38 days for those not familiar with the Bears backup corner and special teams standout.

Bowman was selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of Nebraska.  With good size (6’1″ and 193 pounds), Bowman showed good promise.  He started the ‘o8 season on the practice squad, but was pressed into action late in the season due to injuries.  He performed well enough in that short burst and in the 2009 preseason to gain favor with the coaching staff.  In week 2 of the ’09 campaign, he pushed Nathan Vasher aside as the starter opposite Tillman.  He didn’t disappoint, registering 66 tackles, 6 interceptions and one forced fumble on the season.

In 2010, Lovie announced that Peanut to the opposite side to make room for Bowman.  Looks pretty dumb in hindsight, eh?  Bowman failed to live up to expectations and was ultimately replaced in the starting lineup.  He still proved to be a valuable special teamer, which is why the Bears brought him back last season, after letting him leave for a brief stint with the Vikings.

Bowman has followed his usual pattern, playing well in training camp as a backup corner.  With a lack of proven players behind Tillman and Jennings, Bowman could provide big value for the Bears in 2013.  Expect him to make the roster  unless someone behind him really steps up and outshines him.  It’s his job to lose.

We’re 38 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???

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