Chicago Bears Week 3 Free Agent Stock Watch
By Tooch
Sep 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes under pressure from Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
FALLING
Henry Melton
Sunday night’s performance added insult to injury for Melton, literally. His 2013 campaign is officially, and his career as a Bear may be over as well. It will be a long road to recovery for Melton and the Bears will have a difficult time justifying giving a big contract to the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
Tim Jennings
First, in Jennings’ defense, the Bears’ secondary performed poorly as a unit on Sunday night. But Jennings in particular struggled in coverage and seemed to be caught off guard on several big plays. The Bears defense needs to eliminate big plays altogether and cannot rely on forcing turnovers to win games, Jennings included.
Corey Wootton
The broken record continues to play for Wooton and the defensive line. For the third straight game, the line struggled to get consistent quarterback pressure and failed to record a sack (the Bears recorded three as a team, but all came from the linebackers). Now with Melton lost for the season, Wooton may get an opportunity to move inside and will have to use the chances to showcase his abilities.