NFC Central

Sporting News, The, Dec 20, 1999

In recent weeks, Corey Bradford has made great strides as a reliable target for Brett Favre. Bradford, who played just one season of college football at Jackson State, has all the tools to become a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. Here is how he grades out using an NFL scout's grading scale: 8-Rare, J-Outstanding, 6-Good, 5-Adequate, 4-Marginal, 3-Poor.

Hands: Doesn't have natural hands, still tends to be a bit of a body catcher. Must develop better concentration; will make the spectacular catch and drop easy ones. Grade: 5.0.

Patterns: Has shown great improvement this season but still misses some adjustments on routes. Should vary speeds to set up defender. Not real smooth in and out of breaks; tends to round off cuts. Grade: 4.5.

Receive long/short: Former college track star shows willingness to go over middle, but inexperience with routes prevents him from being real effective in intermediate passing game. Grade: 5.0.

Run after catch: Simply runs away from people, building speed with every stride. Long arms and strong upper body give him excellent straight-arm. Not real elusive. Grade: 6.5.

Blocker: Has perfect frame to be solid downfield blocker. Teammate Antonio Freeman has helped him in this area. Grade: 5.5.

Release: Impatient getting off bump at line of scrimmage. Can avoid jam against most physical comers. Grade: 5.5.

React to ball in crowd: Needs biggest improvement in this area. Adjusts well on deep pass but has trouble securing the ball. Draws plenty of pass-interference calls. Grade: 4.0.

Initial quicks: Has the extra gear that teams covet. Will learn to use speed more effectively with time. Grade: 7.0.

--Jim Nagy, managing editor of The War Room

Chicago

5-8: 5th

Blocking adjustments have led to problems

The focus of the running game problems most of the year has been on Curtis Enis and his lack of power in a still-recovering knee. But the offensive line has been unable to exert itself in the running game and control the line of scrimmage. The problems are partly Enis not getting to and through holes fast enough and breaking first hits, but also partly the line's slow adjustment to a totally different blocking approach from the last six years. Instead of the fire-out techniques of Tony Wise, the line is using a drop-step technique and angles. Linemen say they sometimes catch themselves thinking the old way and at limes have tried to blend techniques together, which hasn't always worked, especially when coupled with Enis' struggles. The problem appears to be more style than personnel. Pass-blocking has been steady all year despite mayhem at quarterback. The line just needs time to come together, both from the standpoint of techniques and personnel, with LT Blake Brockermeyer and C Olin Kreutz both in their first years as Bears starters.... Look for an emphasis under rookie QB Cade McNown to get out of the huddle quicker and make calls at the line faster in order to get plays off before defenses can react to multiple looks. McNown needs to use the entire field and all aspects of the offense, not just vertical passing. He has not always made sufficient use of backs and tight ends in his stints and must integrate all components in order to keep the offense from relying solely on his downfield arm.

SCOUTING REPORT: DT Jim Flanigan is the Bears' best all-around lineman and is an every-down fixture despite having neither dominant raw speed nor the ability to overpower bigger guards. Flanigan's use of his hands makes him difficult to lock on to, and he does not waste motion. He has superior instincts and does not overrun situations when quarterbacks step up in the pocket. Flanigan has good lateral movement and slides well while keeping his eyes in the backfield and rarely can be single-blocked successfully for an entire game.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: McNown has the most footspeed at quarterback of any starter and puts the mobile pocket back in the offense. He is comfortable throwing on the move and can make decisions on the fly. One flaw he must overcome is looking for big plays across the middle once a play breaks down. Throwing late across the middle is a no-no, and McNown has the interceptions to prove it.--John Mullin

GRADING OUT season to date

OFFENSE C

Lack of running game has offense one-dimensional. Shuffling QBs hurts.

DEFENSE D

Pass rush faded after fast start. Secondary is spotty except at strong safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS D

Kicker turnover has been frustrating, and punting has been erratic.

COACHING B

Scheming ineffective in selected games, but overall play-calling good.

BEARS

PASSING        Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long

Matthews       237     144    60.8   1379    56
McNown         141      71    50.4   843    80t

PASSING        TD   Int.   Rate   Sacks

Matthews        8     5    79.4     13
McNown          4     6    60.7     10

RUSHING        Att.   Yds.    Avg.    TD

Enis           258     826    3.2      3
Milburn         14     104    7.4      1
McNown          15      77    5.1      0

RECEIVING      Att.   Yds.    Avg.    TD

Engram          62     678    10.9     1
M. Robinson     60    1053    17.6     6
Enis            44     334    7.6      2

SCORING        XPM     XPA    FGM    FGA    Pts.

Boniol          13      13     11     17     46

PUNTING        No.    Yds.    Avg.   Blk.

Sauerbrun       72    2893    40.2     0

KO RETURNS     No.    Yds.    Avg.    TD

Milburn         52    1245    23.9     0

PUNT RETURNS   No.    Yds.    Avg.    TD

Milburn         24     288    12.0     0