Hoge's Notes: Trestman Believes Bears Have Enough Talent On Defensive Line
By Adam Hoge-
HALAS HALL (CBS) When you've lost two defensive tackles for the season and have missed a third for two straight games, it's fair to wonder if you still have enough available talent on your defensive line.
But Bears head coach Marc Trestman isn't at that point just yet.
"I believe there is (enough talent), absolutely," Trestman said. "I believe the talent is there and we've just got to keep working on it. Quarterbacks are throwing the ball a lot earlier than ever before and it's hard to get to them. We've gotten close, we've re-directed passes, we've inhibited throws and got Eli (Manning) to hold a little bit in the pocket, disrupted his rhythm. We've got to continue to work at it but I certainly believe the talent is there."
The Bears' defensive line failed to get a single sack on the quarterback against the Giants, which is the second time that has happened this season.
So what's the problem?
"I just think we've got to get more continuity in our rushes. We're tying to find ways to improve our techniques and fundamentals and coordinate different ways of getting to the quarterback," Trestman said. "The energy's there. We got a lot closer last week than we did the two previous weeks. We were around him but not enough. We've just got to continue working it."
Bostic Era Begins
With D.J. Williams out for the year with a ruptured pec, rookie Jon Bostic arrived at Halas Hall Monday as the team's starting middle linebacker.
Bostic had to schedule a special session with the media because of a time crunch after practice with extra activities. With most of the team allowed to go home for the day, Bostic had to hurry to a weight room session and attend an extra meeting with fellow rookies.
"I feel more ready each and every day," Bostic said Monday, adding that he has learned a lot from his fellow linebackers this season.
"Some things (Lance Briggs) teaches me, he doesn't even know he's teaching me," the rookie said.
Bostic spent most of the preseason as the Bears' No. 1 middle linebacker as D.J. Williams nursed a calf injury, so he did get valuable experience before the regular season started.
"He hasn't spent a lot of time out there but he has played," Trestman said. "He's in the next-man-up situation. He doesn't have the experience certainly that D.J. has but he has speed and he's an explosive young man. It's just about working together with the guys and getting acclimated to the calls and the fits and things like that. I think we'll do fine."
Meanwhile, Bostic's teammates are looking forward to seeing what the rookie can do.
"I'm excited about Bostic," cornerback Tim Jennings said. "I know he put on a show this preseason. I know a lot of guys are excited about Bostic, to see what he's going to be doing. So now, it's basically next-man up. Of course, you don't want to D.J. to go down like that and miss the rest of the year, but this is just an opportunity for Bostic to let everybody know he's here for a reason."
Paea, Tillman Expected Back
Both defensive tackle Stephen Paea and cornerback Charles Tillman are expected to play against the Redskins Sunday.
Paea practiced on a limited basis Monday, which was his first practice time since he suffered his turf toe injury against the Lions two weeks ago.
"I did a little running today, see how it feels," Paea said. "So we're shooting for Sunday, but we'll see."
Trestman, meanwhile, sounded a little more upbeat.
"He worked out here today so we're optimistic," the head coach said. "He'll have the rest of the day off and tomorrow and be ready to go."
Charles Tillman (knee), Martellus Bennett (knee/shoulder) and James Anderson (back) did not practice Monday, but are all expected to be on track to play against Washington.
Notables
- Marc Trestman said he spent Sunday working, but did catch the fourth quarter of the Patriots' comeback win against the Saints. He said he only watched the beginning of the Redskins' game against the Cowboys because he needed to catch up on some sleep. Obviously, he'll see plenty of the Redskins on tape at Halas Hall this week.
- Coming off a Thursday game, the Bears got the benefit of an extra practice Monday after getting Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.
- Defensive lineman Tracy Robertson was added to the practice squad. The Bears had a spot open after promoting defensive tackle Christian Tupou to the active roster last Wednesday.
Adam Hoge covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.
