Chicago Bears Week 2: Rookie Report

FS Brock Vereen – After not seeing any action in week 1, Vereen got 18 defensive snaps on Sunday as the slot corner after Charles Tillman left the game. Vereen’s versatility was one of the reasons the Bears traded up to get him in the 4th round and he did a solid job covering the slot (.3 grade). Vereen almost made a big play on a blitz, he had a clear shot at Kaepernick, but couldn’t bring him down. Overall it was a solid debut for Vereen and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets more snaps in week 3.

P Pat O’Donnell – I was a little worried after a bad debut for O’Donnell in week 1, but he did a much better job in week 2. The blocked punt was ugly, but not O’Donnell’s fault. Shaun Draughn missed a block and the punt was blocked, that is going to happen from time to time. O’Donnell didn’t get flustered as some rookies might in their first road game which was also on national tv. He ended up punting 5 times on the day with an average of 47.6 yards per punt. Last season 47.6 yards per punt was the 5th best average distance in the NFL. O’Donnell pinned one inside the 20 and had a nice punt out of the Bears end zone with less than the usual distance from the line of scrimmage. He showed off his big leg and more importantly showed he could punt under pressure. I feel much better about O’Donnell’s future than I did after his week 1 debacle.

RB/KR Senorise Perry – After a stellar preseason, Perry has looked tentative on kick returns for two games in a row. The Bears called up Rashad Ross from the practice squad for week 3’s game so Perry’s kick returning days may be over. The Bears did release veteran Shaun Draughn instead of Perry which is sign that the coaching staff hasn’t given up on Perry’s potential. I haven’t either, but he needs to relax and let his natural talent take over the next time he gets a chance to play.

LB Christian Jones – Led the Bears with two special teams tackles, but also had a costly holding penalty. The fact that Jones was active over 2nd year LB Khaseem Greene shows that the Bears coaching staff has faith in Jones defensive ability as well since he was the primary backup at OLB Sunday night.

RB Ka’Deem Carey – Was on the active roster, but didn’t get in the game. If the Bears keep running the ball less than 20 times per game, Matt Forte will never need a rest and Carey will be stuck on the sidelines. The Bears released backup RB Shaun Draughn this week, which makes Carey the clear #2 RB.

SS Ahmad Dixon – Was signed early in the week, so wasn’t expected to play on defense, but Dixon was part of the kick/punt coverage teams. He didn’t make any tackles and finished with a -1 special teams grade.

Inactives

T Charles Leno Jr