5 Unheralded Players the Bears Need To Perform

Everybody knows Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. They are the stars of the team and while they generally are consistent they need to perform well for the Bears to have a chance. However, there are less recognized players that need to show up as well. These players were not picked in the first round nor are they talked about as the main stars of the team.

5. Nick Reed

The 6'1" defensive end for the Bears plays behind Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije and is fighting Corey Wotton for the third spot on the depth chart. Both Reed and Wotton are needed to spell Peppers and Idonije, but Reed is a guy who can blow up plays in the backfield and is particularly athletic.

Reed must not be a huge drop off from the starters so that the Bears can keep their guys fresh for late in the game. Reed had a very good game against the Falcons and he needs to keep it up for the Bears to be able to get continued pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

4. Kellen Davis

The 6'7" Davis is a beast at tight end with his size. However, his hands have come into question, but so far in his NFL career he has been a solid receiving option. He has the ability to block blitzing linebackers and can help chip defensive linemen, but he has to start doing on a consistent basis now that he is the starter.

He should be a good red-zone target for Jay Cutler and he has to come up with the ball when called upon. If teams have to pay attention to Davis and use a linebacker or safety to cover him, that will open up the run and the pass for the Bears especially over the middle of the field.

3. Henry Melton

Melton had a great game against the Falcons, but the fledgling defensive tackle has to start putting it together every Sunday. He is a big man weighing in at 295 pounds, but he has a sneaky burst and can get up field quickly.

If he can make teams pay for double teaming Peppers and leaving him one-on-one, than Melton can quickly become a star. His presence is huge for the Bears as he can break up plays with his great jumping ability and athleticism. 

2. Roberto Garza

Garza is almost a journeyman considering how he has played nearly every position on the offensive line. He has struggled at times, but now as the center for the Bears he can ill avoid too many mistakes. Garza is the by default leader of the offensive line and he has to lead by example.

He performed excellently against the Falcons and if he continues to play up to that level the Bears are in good hands. If he struggles the Bears will be hard pressed to overcome it.

1. Tim Jennings

Jennings is a huge player for the Bears, mostly because he is the No. 2 cornerback on the depth chart for the defense. Charles Tillman is solid across from him, but Jennings has to be able to cover the opposition’s second receiver for the Bears to stand a chance.

Jennings has had some woes in the past, but he has bulked up and will need to be solid for the defense. The Bears like to play the Cover-2 zone, but Jennings still has to watch the second receiver and not let him get behind the defense. He is vital to the Bears defense.