Bears Preseason Week 2: Position Battles (Defense)

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Position: 5th Corner Back

The Bears may need to keep 6 CBs because they are getting solid play from DBs on the roster bubble the last two weeks. I think veteran Kelvin Hayden has the 4th spot locked up, which leaves some talented players in the hunt for the 5th spot including Sherrick McManis, Isaiah Frey, Demontre Hurst, CJ Wilson and Al Louis-Jean

Up: Sherrick McManis – Got some playing time in the 1st half and took advantage of it for the 2nd week in a row. McManis led the team with 6 tackles and broke up a pass in the end zone. It’s been a very solid preseason so far for McManis (INT in week 1) and with his strong special teams play he is all but a lock for a roster spot.

Up: Al Louis-Jean –  He didn’t make as many plays in week 2, but in only 17 snaps made 3 tackles including 1 for a loss and held his own in coverage. He is young (20) and raw (9 games in college) but the talent is there.

Up: CJ Wilson – After an uneventful week 1 with only 1 tackle in 40 snaps, Wilson made an impact on just 17  snaps in week 2. Wilson sealed the game with an athletic interception and looked good in coverage the previous drive. Wilson showed some potential last year in preseason, getting his hands on a few balls, and I would like to see more of Wilson in week 3.

Down: Demontre Hurst – Continued to be a force in run support with 4 tackles, but struggled in coverage. Hurst was beaten badly on a 29-yard fly route by Kerry Taylor (who?) and had trouble staying with receivers most of the game.

Down: Isaiah Frey – After playing nickle back for the Bears most of last season you would think Frey has a spot on this year’s team locked up, but it’s far from a sure thing. Frey somehow managed to be on the field for over 50% of the Bears defensive snaps last year and not be involved in any turnovers. Frey missed his 2nd preseason game with a hamstring injury, but if I were him I would do whatever it takes to get back on the field.