By Jordan Long
The Chicago Bears are in great shape to make the playoffs for the 1st time since 2010. They lead the NFC North division at 9-4 and can clinch the division with a win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Chicago will have to do it without cornerback Bryce Callahan.
Callahan suffered a broken foot during the Chicago Bears’ victory over the L.A. Rams on Sunday Night Football. He was replaced by Sherrick McManis. This ends his season. The fracture requires surgery to repair it. Sunday might have been his last game in Chicago. Callahan is going to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
According to ESPN, Chicago Bears’ Head Coach Matt Nagy said, “It’s just unfortunate. Bryce has shown me a lot. He’s very valuable. That’s a big loss for us.”
Callahan is the backup to Prince Amukamara. He comes in when Amukamara needs a rest andis also in the game when they Bears go into the nickel package. Callahan tips passes away from the widereceivers to prevent gains with 6 passes defended and he has totaled 2 interceptions. He blitzes thequarterback to put pressure on him, taking the quarterback down for sacks. Callahan has recorded 2 sacks this season. When it comes to tackling, the Bears’ trustedhim in the open field. He didn’t miss bringingdown a wide out. Callahan has a total of 45 tackles this season.
TheBears know this is a loss they can overcome. McManis is going to take the placeof Callahan. McManis can play passcoverage and not allow large gains. McManistips the ball away but only has 1 pass defended and 1 interception. He rarely misses tackling an opponent with 19 tackles. When it comes to blitzing, McManisrushes the quarterback and can sack him with a total of 1 this season.
The Bears hope they can play well without Callahan. They have a talented team to do so. They will make the playoffs. Ifthey happen to fall short of reaching the Super Bowl, they can’t go back andsay the injury to Callahan was the reason.
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