Bullard and Washington To Get Their Shots At Starting Today.

IMHO opinion this news is as good as getting Goldman back.  I've been of the opinion we've leaned far too much on Unrein as a starter so far.  He's a decent run stopper and can play gap control against the run but offers little as a pass rusher.  He's most effective playing a limited number of snaps as a backup in the DL rotation.

This should provide Bullard and CWash with a shot at taking over one DE spot for the last 8 games.  Bullard is mainly a LDE in this scheme who also moves inside to play a 3 tech DT role on passing downs.  CWash can play either side and can give Hicks a breather if needed but what I want to see is all three of them; Hicks, Goldman, and CWash on the field at once.  That's some serious beef and muscle for controlling a running game.

Both should be higher than a kite and ready to kick ass and take names because this is the chance every backup should pray for.  Like Howard at RB a strong game by either or both can easily move Unrein back on the depth chart where he probably belongs.

I wrote about this in the Tampa Predictions threads:

A Man of Promise Finally Produces:

Washington vs Evan Smith

Another X-Factor in this game is Washington. Bullard typically comes in as relief for Hicks (which I find strange and which might change this game) on the left side so Washington will get an opportunity to show some strength this game. I expect Washington to get increased reps and could see him having a strong performance this game going up against 7 year vet backup Evan Smith who will be, for the most part, left in 1v1 matchups against the perennial man of promise not production, Washington.


To add on to this, Evan Smith is listed as the backup center and guard for Tampa Bay and he's been pretty reliable in pass protection as a backup these past two years with Tampa Bay. Prior to coming over to Tampa he was an above average lineman for the Packers. FOrtunately for the Bears, we've changed so much roster wise over the past few years that Evan's experience against the Bears is a moot point. 

THis is a big opportunity for Washington and potentially Bullard depending on how they run the rotation (Sutton and Goldman might potentially see reps at DE - or Sutton might slide in at NT and Goldman might move over to DE on some snaps). Washington isn't going to get a more favorable matchup than Smith as this is the first game (to my knowledge) in which Smith has played LG for the Bucs this year (and possibly ever). Smith is a smart linemen who excels in space but who doesn't excel in leverage battles with stronger DEs. I expect Washington to easily be able to overpower him BUT I am concerned about Smith's smarts and his ability to misdirect Washington when Corny tries to use brute force.

Washington can win the starting spot this game OR at the very least earn more reps if he can perform and not get hurt. He has to go out and produce though and that's been the crux of his NFL career. Lots of potential but limited production. Maybe he can break that cycle today. 

What to watch for IMO:
Given Corny's brute strength and tendency to bull rush losing sight of the ball, I expect the running game of Tampa and Doug Martin to exploit the left interior side of the ball. Corny will get his shots at showing the coaching staff and the Chicago fans that he can play smart AND strong football today. We'll see. This will be one of the most interesting battles in the CHI / TB game. I think Corny's got it in him to perform today. 

Nice analysis and write up belli. 

It helped mostly that Martin wasn't ready to play and they kept trotting him out there anyways.