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On The Mend: The Return of the Wounded

By Bryan Dietzler

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eddie Goldman

You wouldn’t think that one player on defense could make such a big impact.  Goldman proved, last season, that he was a very valuable asset on defense and that he would be missed  His rookie year was a good one and he helped make the Bears defensive line pretty solid as the season progressed and he got a better feel of the NFL game.  But what makes Goldman so valuable?

Goldman is a big bodied defensive tackle that can plug up the middle of the defense.  This forces the opposing offense to avoid running in his direction having to take the play another way.  With that, quicker defenders, such as linebackers, can get to the ball carrier and bring him down fast.  Goldman’s work against the run was very noticeable last season not only plugging the gaps but taking down the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage.

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (43) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (43) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Another thing that Goldman did well last season was rush the passer.  In a less than complete set of 16 games, Goldman had four and a half sacks.  That is pretty decent for a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.  He was well on his way to having a strong finish to his rookie season but he got hurt and missed the final few games.

He came back and played well but went out of the Bear’s game in Week Two (Eagles) with a high ankle sprain.  The injury left that hole we talked about in the middle of the defense and the Bears had trouble replacing him.  You could easily tell that Goldman was missed.

Goldman made it back for the game against Tampa this Sunday but went out late in the game with what appears to be a leg injury.  Has he re-injured his ankle?  If he has, he may be gone for a long while again.  Keep an eye on his injury this week.  Hopefully it’s nothing serious.

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