Injury Report & Implications: JCK @ CHI

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INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) at Chicago Bears (6-6)

By

Michael Nudo

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Injuries on the offensive line have severely limited the Jaguars’ offense (Getty images/Streeter Lecka).

 

BEARS OFFENSE vs. JAGUARS DEFENSE

Kyle Orton has struggled (41-83-417 3 TD, 3 INT) in the three games since his return from a high ankle sprain. He appeared to be moving around in the pocket better last week, but had a difficult time with both accuracy and decision making. Fullback Jason McKie (quadriceps) missed last week’s game. He was replaced by Jason Davis. Wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) is expected to be ready to return. The Bears haven’t gotten much production out of any of their wide receivers since before Orton’s injury.

 

Defensive tackle John Henderson has missed a few games recently with a knee injury. To make matters worse, he missed practice time this week shaking off an illness. Cornerback Rashean Mathis was lost for the season after Monday night’s game with a knee injury. Drayton Florence will step into the starting role for Mathis.

 

The Jaguars have been very average on defense this year. One of the keys has been their lack of pass rush (22 sacks). Jacksonville invested heavily in draft picks Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, who have only 4 combined sacks. After several down offensive weeks, this should be the optimal time for the Bears to get their passing offense back on track against a Jaguar team that’s struggling to retain its focus after dropping 4 of their last 6 games.

 

JAGUARS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE

The Jaguars have lost offensive linemen Vince Manuwai, Chris Naeole and Maurice Williams for the year. They’re in the unenviable position of not being able to protect quarterback David Garrard (33 sacks). Further, they haven’t been able to run consistently with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor (111 yards per game after 149 a season ago). The single brightest spot on their offense is the long-awaited emergence of fourth-year receiver Matt Jones (62-727, 2 TD), who is on track to come close to 1,000 receiving yards.

 

The Bears have lost a starter each of the last two weeks in cornerback Nathan Vasher (hand) and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek (biceps). Corey Graham replaced Vasher last week against Minnesota. The loss of Dvoracek will mean more time for tackles Anthony Adams (foot), Israel Idonije and rookie Marcus Harrison. It might even mean Matt Toeaina has an opportunity to dress on game day. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye shows up on the report this week with a shoulder injury. Ogunleye and Adams are both expected to play. Mark Anderson will see more time if Ogunleye is limited. Anderson hasn’t been a consistent pass rushing factor since his rookie season two years ago. His run defense is a serious liability.

 

The Jaguars have been trying to keep a balanced attack this season. It would be wise to lean heavier to the run again the Bears, to protect the rib injury Garrard has been recovering from. Look for the Bears to tighten up their run defense to ensure Taylor and Jones-Drew don’t break free for long runs like the one Peterson had last week. The Bears’ pass rush has shown more teeth in recent weeks. In the last two weeks, opposing quarterbacks have been sacked 7 times against the last 61 attempts. This is an excellent matchup for the Bears, especially for interior linemen like Tommie Harris and Marcus Harrison.

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[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

Like Danny Mac said in the article posted on here, this team is awful. Their OL is currently at the same skill level as the Rams was and the Jagoffs shouldn't score double digits on us.

 

And yes, I know JAX played in NE and PIT in the playoffs last year, but I still think the predicted wind chill of 13 (weather.com) on Sunday favors us.