Reason for Optimism on Defense?

Two passages from Patrick Finley in the Sun-Times. First, could Eddie Goldman’s emergence allow the Bears to move Ratliff to defensive end?

Calling his second-round pick a “big, square body,” Bears coach John Fox praised rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman’s performance the past 10 days.

“That’s why we drafted him where we did,” he said Saturday. “He’s had a good camp so far. We’ll get back to camp and evaluate the tape and have a better evaluation.”

Friday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Jeremiah Ratliff could play either nose or defensive end. If Goldman keeps playing well, it would be little surprise to see him start in the middle on opening day.

Second, are we about to see the emergence of Jared Allen as situational pass rusher? Seems he thrived at the position in Pernell McPhee’s absence.

With starter Pernell McPhee held out because of a coach’s decision, outside linebacker Jared Allen saw additional snaps at his new position Saturday.

He might have been the scrimmage MVP, too, after “sacking” second-string quarterback Jimmy Clausen and batting down one of his passes.

Third, what the hell is the Sun-Times doing with their web design? There is not a newspaper in America with a sloppier, less focused presentation. When you see designs like these it is very easy to understand why newspapers around the nation re being led into the ground.

I Get Sent Some Odd Shit…

• Wanna buy a painting of a bear with a comb? (I’d have to assume this was some sort of Google algorithm gone awry situation.) Here’s the link to do so: Bear with Comb. Oh, and here’s the star himself:

• Wanna participate in a university study of Bears fans? The University of Illinois wants you! Click this link to take part: UIUC Bears fan survey.

Long on the New Look of the Offensive Line

From Bob LeGere in the Daily Herald:

The biggest difference up front this year is at center, where Will Montgomery takes over for Roberto Garza, which means some changes for Long at right guard.

“I can ease off my Rosetta Stone a little bit,” Long joked. “I don’t have to speak as much Spanish. Garza was tremendous. He was my veteran. He was somebody that really raised me in this league and took me under his shoulder.”

The 32-year-old Montgomery is four years younger than Garza and he is familiar with new offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s scheme, having played for him last year with the Denver Broncos.

“Montgomery has done a tremendous job with this offense to be able to relate the subtle nuances and changes from last year to the young guys and to the guys who have been in the league for a few years and are trying to find their way in this offense,” Long said.

I’ve stated it many times but I firmly believe that if Jermon Bushrod is healthy at left tackle, the Bears offensive line will be strength of their entire team.