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Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:49 pm
by emperorjones
Payne benched in Bears secondary shakeup
September 18, 2009 2:40 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert
Chicago is continuing to fiddle with its defensive secondary, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times and ESPN Chicago colleague Jeff Dickerson.
Danieal Manning has reclaimed his job as the starting free safety, a job he held before a hamstring injury sidelined him in training camp. And in a surprise, rookie Al Afalava will remain the starter at strong safety in the new lineup. Veteran Kevin Payne, who has started 18 consecutive games dating back to 2007, has been benched.
Not to take anything away from Afalava, but you would think the Bears would want maximum experience on the field this Sunday against Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Yet as Biggs points out, Payne bit on a play-action fake during Green Bay receiver Greg Jennings’ 50-yard touchdown pass Sunday night at Lambeau Field.
Manning handled the nickel position against the Packers and it’s possible he’ll remain in that role against the Steelers. If he does, you wonder if he’ll continue to return kickoffs. Dickerson suggests that rookie speedster Johnny Knox could pick up those duties.
Sunday’s loss led to a 50 percent turnover in the Bears’ secondary. Cornerback Nate Vasher, who slipped while covering Jennings on the touchdown, has also been benched and replaced by second-year player Zack Bowman.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post?id=3460This puts a real wrench in my prediction that Payne would have a pro bowl season.
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:02 pm
by Cliff Levingston
If Manning has learned a thing or two from a couple nice years playing the nickel, then this could end up being a nice move... because we really need a guy at FS that can cover someone, and we all know Afalava can lay the wood at SS.
Even if Payne is out of the starting lineup, he'll easily be the first one off the bench at either spot.
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:12 pm
by emperorjones
I just find it hard to believe that Afalava has proven that he is a better SS than Payne this early. I mean no OTAs and only starting 1 or 2 preseason games? If true this guy must be a stud and Iḿ happy about it. It would be great if he locks down SS and Manning secures the FS spot at a high level. That would mean its not necessary to draft a safety in the 2nd round next year - allowing us to either go DE or RT (yes Iḿ getting a bit ahead of myself). .
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:17 pm
by NoSkyy
Reallllllllllly? I actually liked Payne but maybe he's being too aggressive? Shouldn't that point to him being put at SS? Maybe they're trying to ease him back into the position. I find it hard to believe Afalava is our starter.
Am I the only one that thinks Corey Graham would make a fine nickelback? The guy gets sacks and is a good hitter.
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 9:58 pm
by Chewie
Sounds like this is a move purely done in response to the play that killed us vs GB. Other than that, I thought Payne was all over the place.
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 11:29 pm
by emperorjones
^^ If I knew that was true I'd be soooo pissed because the guy played great IMO. I thought the whole defense played great. If our coaches bench a guy for one bad play they should have resigned after the Atlanta game.
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:38 am
by sdeezy
Has Afalava proven himself to be a better SS than Payne?..i havent seen it
Re: Payne benched - Manning to start at FS
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 2:59 pm
by emperorjones
Not only haven't I seen it, but the guy was limited in practice this week too and is on the injury report. Is Lovie really trying to tell me that this injured rookie who didn't have a full week of practice is a better option going up against the Superbowl champions that Payne?
I don't buy it.
My guess is Manning & Payne will be the starters. If not, then Afalava better be a reincarnation of Mike Brown