Countdown to Kickoff… 92 Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse (74) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea (92) during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-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 Stephen Paea days away from the season opener.  Let’s get to know #92 on the Chicago Bears roster and help us get ready for the season ahead.

The Bears drafted Stephen Paea in the second round of the 2011 draft.  They actually traded up a few spots to grab the defensive tackle out of Oregon State.  Paea was a bit of a Combine hero, setting a record by doing 49 reps of 225 lbs.  If you haven’t seen it before, check it out:

Paea started slowly as a rookie, appearing in 11 games and being credited with 8 tackles and 2 sacks.  Last season, he definitely showed improvement, moving into a starting role next to Henry Melton partway through the season, although his production didn’t match his status as a starter.  While starting 14 games, Paea had just 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks.  The Bears need more out of a second round draft pick.  The pressure is on Paea to take his game to the next level as he is penciled in as the starter and there are few options on the interior defensive line.

Other notable 92’s in recent Bears history including Hunter Hillenmeyer, Ted Washington and Barry Minter.

We’re 92 days away from kickoff.  Are you ready???