Tim Jennings Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

We at Bear Goggles On have decided to count down the days until the Chicago Bears’ regular season opener on September 13th against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As of today, there are 26 days until the big day, giving us a reason to give you a profile on #26, Tim Jennings.

The Chicago Bears are a team in desperate need of changes on defense this season. The new coaching staff has promised improvement on all levels but to do that they need some of the experienced players to step up. Tim Jennings is one of the players expected help make the team better this year.

Jennings was drafted in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 out of Georgia.  As a member of the Colts he won a championship, beating the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. In 2009 Jennings’ tenure with the Colts ended and he then signed with the Bears. As a Bear Jennings has played solid with 300 tackles, six forced fumbles, 16 interceptions and three touchdowns.  He has been voted to two Pro Bowels and  and in 2014 he was given a four year $22.4 million contract extension.

Unfortunately, in 2015 Jennings’ production took a huge plummeted and the Bears secondary suffered greatly because of it. After the end of a disappointing season, Jennings was arrested in Georgia for a DUI. Other than missing practice in July to settle the legal matters due to the arrest, Jennings seems to have put his legal troubles behind him is now focused on football.

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago Bears defeat the Minnesota Vikings 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Outlook 

In a recent meeting with the media Jennings hinted that his struggles last year were due to the defensive schemes drawn up by former coordinator Mel Tucker. Well, this season he has the opportunity redeem himself under Vic Fangio. Fangio is one of the better defensive minds in the league and he know for putting players in the best position to succeed.

The 2015 season is a chance for Jennings to not only shine as a defensive player but as a leader. The Bears defense is filled with young, inexperienced talent and having a veteran to help guide them is exactly what the team needs. In the past, he was a complement to former Bears corner Charles Tillman. With Tillman now a member of the Carolina Panthers, it is time for Jennings to step up his game and be a leader on and off the field.

Second-year corner back Kyle Fuller will need his help on all levels as he continues to grow in his role on defense. At age 31 this may be Jennings last year to make a statement. Another mediocre season may cause him to lose his starting job to some of the younger players who have began to stand out as of late.

Next: 2015 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Rankings (Part 1)