Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Five players to watch

DeSean Jackson

One bright spot from the Chicago Bears’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons: their corners played pretty well.

Sure, Marcus Cooper did get beat a couple of teams by Julio Jones. But for the most part, he did an outstanding job matched up against him, allowing just four catches for 66 yards. He also showed good instincts in breaking on a fourth-quarter throw, nearly coming up with an interception.

And Kyle Fuller, who many thought might not make this team, has continued his apparent rebirth. He didn’t get picked on much, but any time the ball came near him, he rallied to it and tackled aggressively. Plus, his press coverage looks improved early on, as evidenced by a goal line play in which he stood Jones up.

Plus, Prince Amukamara could return this week after suffering an ankle injury in the Bears’ third preseason game. So, all in all, it’s hard not to be optimistic about the Bears’ corner situation.

Of course, their road isn’t about to get any easier Sunday as Evans and Jackson arrive to test them down the field.

Jackson, in particular, could represent a big problem for the Bears because of his well-known speed.

Though Evans could very well have a big game anyway because he’s just a really good player, the Bears have size and physicality to match up with him. What they don’t necessarily have is the speed to stay with Jackson. They didn’t last year, either.

One key for the Bears will be disrupting his routes at the line of scrimmage. If you allow him free releases, he’ll run amok.

Secondly, memos to the safeties: stay disciplined. Do NOT blow coverages against DeSean Jackson. I cannot impress enough how burned the Chicago Bears will be if they repeat last week’s mistakes.