Although Jerry Angelo said he wouldn't use the word "disappointed" to describe how he feels about Tommie Harris' production this season, the Bears' general manager minced no words when asked about how the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle is performing this season before the game.
"I was hoping we would see more," Angelo said. "It didn't happen the way we thought. It would've been great because he was ready. He worked hard; nothing short on his part. You couldn't ask a guy to work any harder than he has worked in the offseason, during the season. It's just not clicking. I don't know how to say it other than that. I'm not giving up hope that it can't because we still see the quickness and athleticism that you need to see in practice. Unfortunately, we're not seeing it as much on Sunday. But it's not a lack of effort or toughness. It has nothing to do with his work ethic and hopefully he's going to turn the corner here."
When asked if he cared to respond to Angelo's statement, Harris, who stuffed Ricky Williams for a 3-yard loss in the second quarter, said: "He's right."
That pretty much says it all except:
At his point it's like poker. The money is already in the pot, so there isn't much downside left in playing it out. Harris clearly is slowed by injuries, but it sometimes takes more than a year to heal all the way. Vick wasn't even hurt, but look at him last year coming off a long layoff vs this year. They already have a good defense without a dominating 3 technique tackle. If Harris could somehow crank it up for the last quarter of the season they could really be special.
I was reallly hoping Harris would return to form this season, especially with the addition of Julius Peppers, but sadly, its starting to look like he might not ever be the same player he was early in his career. If Tommie Harris was playing at the same level like he was a couple seasons back, this line would be special along with Peppers.
There might be hope for the future at the 3-technique in 2nd year player Henery Melton. If this kid continues to develop, he might be just the player the Bears have been searching for at the under tackle position. You gotta like the job starter Matt Toeaina has been doing, but I think he might be a better fit at the nose position, lining up directly over the guard, and be much more effective getting push with his strength, a player like Melton could give this line some speed from the 3-technique, Melton could be a better fit at the 3-technique especially for the type of defense Rod Marinelli like to run, which relies on quickness up front. The 3-technique lines up over the outside shoulder of the guard, his job is to get around the guard much like an end does a tackle to create pressure. Thats why you see a lot of ends get moved inside to the under tackle position, much like Isarel Idonije did. If Melton can continue to develop and give the Bears defense that rush inside from the 3-technique, along with Peppers adding pressure outside, this unit could be special. In 2009 Angelo brought in Jarron Gilbert to give the Bears some youth at the 3-technique, Gilbert was a bad pick. Thankfully Angelo covered himself by taking Melton in the 4th that year GO BEARS!!
I was reallly hoping Harris would return to form this season, especially with the addition of Julius Peppers, but sadly, its starting to look like he might not ever be the same player he was early in his career. If Tommie Harris was playing at the same level like he was a couple seasons back, this line would be special along with Peppers.
There might be hope for the future at the 3-technique in 2nd year player Henery Melton. If this kid continues to develop, he might be just the player the Bears have been searching for at the under tackle position. You gotta like the job starter Matt Toeaina has been doing, but I think he might be a better fit at the nose position, lining up directly over the guard, and be much more effective getting push with his strength, a player like Melton could give this line some speed from the 3-technique, Melton could be a better fit at the 3-technique especially for the type of defense Rod Marinelli like to run, which relies on quickness up front. The 3-technique lines up over the outside shoulder of the guard, his job is to get around the guard much like an end does a tackle to create pressure. Thats why you see a lot of ends get moved inside to the under tackle position, much like Isarel Idonije did. If Melton can continue to develop and give the Bears defense that rush inside from the 3-technique, along with Peppers adding pressure outside, this unit could be special. In 2009 Angelo brought in Jarron Gilbert to give the Bears some youth at the 3-technique, Gilbert was a bad pick. Thankfully Angelo covered himself by taking Melton in the 4th that year GO BEARS!!
Nice to see Melton playing the way he is and improving by the game. Its also good to see the Bears not give up on Harris who could be another year away from regaining the strength in his legs necessary to play at a high level. He is on the first year of recovering from knee and hamstring problems that usually take two years to recover from. Next year he should be back to form if there is no strike. Go BEARS!!!