Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Do you think that Eddy Pineiro clinched his spot on the 53-man roster with his excellent performance against the Colts?
Gary T.
Aurora, Illinois
I wouldn't say that it's a slam dunk because—as we all know—anything can happen. But I do think that Eddy Pineiro took a huge step in that direction last Saturday night when he made all five of his kicks, including a 58-yard field goal, in the Bears' preseason win over the Colts. And it wasn't just that game; Pineiro has consistently displayed leg strength and accuracy throughout the preseason. In three games, he has made 8-of-9 kicks overall; 5-of-6 field goals and 3-of-3 extra points. He's made his last five field goals, including the 58-yarder in Indianapolis, since missing his first attempt from 48 yards in the preseason opener against the Panthers. At this point, it seems like Pineiro is about to lock up the job. But we'll have to wait and see.
What player do you think has most improved his chances of making the Bears' 53-man roster with his play in the preseason?
Jamal W.
Chicago
I'm going to go with outside linebacker James Vaughters. The Bears are looking for players who are on the proverbial roster bubble to consistently make impact plays, and Vaughters has done just that throughout the preseason. He recovered a fumble that let to a touchdown against the Panthers, recorded a strip/sack and recovered the loose ball versus the Giants and produced another strip/sack that Joel Iyiegbuniwe returned for a touchdown against the Colts. So it appears that Vaughters—who spent the past two seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders—could provide some depth at a key position on defense while also contributing on special teams.
In the first quarter against the Colts, Deon Bush was penalized for unnecessary roughness. Am I the only one that thought that was a clean hit? He didn't seem to lead with the crown of his helmet and they didn't really explain much after the play.
Jason
Fukuoka, Japan
It looked to me like Bears safety Deon Bush led with his shoulder while also making contact with his helmet when he hit Colts receiver Zach Pascal just as he was making a catch in last Saturday night's preseason game. The NFL's official play-by-play indicates that the penalty was called on Bush for "lowering his head to initiate contact."
