The big toe is a big deal in football
Posted by Jeff Joniak in Jeff Joniak on Thursday, October 22, 2009 | no responses
The big toe is a big deal in football.
“You use it every play,” said Anthony Adams. “It’s what keeps your balance. A lot of people don’t understand. Oh, you just hurt your toe. You’ve got to push off it every play. You have to plant off it and push off it.”
Adams played through toe pain last week in Atlanta, and is significantly better leading up to Sunday’s game at Cincinnati.
Two Adams may be better than one.
Newly acquired Gaines Adams is expected to join the rotation at defensive end.
“I just think it’s going to make guys that much fresher, said Adams. “I’m happy for Gaines to come into a good situation. You know, come in and play. That’s my cousin. His last name is Adams, so I’m sure he’s a great player.”
In five games with Tampa Bay, Adams had one sack. A switch in style defensively hurt Adams, who is a pure pass rusher in a scheme that demands a quick first step towards the quarterback.
Adams will play Sunday against the Bengals
NO TOMMIE HARRIS
Starting defensive tackle Tommie Harris missed his second practice with what is listed on the injury report as a sore knee.
“Oh it’s precautionary,” said head coach Lovie Smith. “Whenever a player misses a couple of days there’s a little bit of a concern. Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
Harris has not played at the dominating level the Bears hoped he would starting the season. He has nine tackles in five games, with one interception and no sacks.
SOUND OFF
Nick Roach is expected to retain the starting job at middle linebacker Sunday.
“Nick does well,” said Lance Briggs. “Nick recognizes everything. He’s a smart guy, very smart player. He can get us in all the checks.”
However, Roach is apparently a soft talker in the huddle.
“He’s got the Lovie voice box,” said Briggs. “He doesn’t’ annunciate say like an Urlacher or Hunter Hillenmeyer. So, when Nick talks we’ve got to make sure we have our ears on.”
Roach said he is conscious of his low volume.
“I try to work on it every day,” Roach said. “I feel like I’m yelling, but…it’s a bad sign.”
Briggs had a good laugh about the revelation.
Thursday Practice Review: Bengals Week
v Hunter Hillenmeyer is expected to get the start on the strong side—despite sore ribs—full practice today.
v Adrian Peterson(knee) was held out.
v Safety Kevin Payne added to the report with a sore toe and limited. So were Corey Graham(ankle) and Josh Bullocks(ankle)
v Defensive lineman Israel Idonije(knee) fully participated.
v Four Bengals missed practice: DT Jonathan Fanene(ill), DT Tank Johnson(foot), DT Domata Peko(knee) and S Roy Wiliams(forearm).
v Two other Cincinnati defensive lineman Frostee Rucker(ankle) and defensive tackle Pat Sims(biceps) returned to practice.
Offensive Explosion
Two Abilene Christian rookies share the field Sunday in Cincinnati. Bears receiver Johnny Knox and Bengals running back Bernard Scott played on a Division II powerhouse last year.
In the second round of the playoffs, Abilene Christian beat West Texas A&M 93-to-68. That is not a misprint. The teams combined for 1,531 yards of offense on 150 combined snaps. Knox caught five passes for 125-yards and one touchdown, while Scott scored seven touchdowns in the game while rushing for 292 yards on 19 carries.
Scott was the Division II player of the year in 2008. He is expected to get more involved in the Bengals offense after six games featuring Cedric Benson.
Benson leads the NFL in carries.
Leave a Reply
