EXTRA POINTS
Go and get it
With Alshon Jeffery suspended, Cam Meredith is the Bears’ No. 1 receiver, but can he make plays like a No. 1 receiver?
Quarterback Jay Cutler said he can, and that includes 50/ 50 jump balls.
‘‘ He’s a long guy in one- onones,’’ Cutler said. “His favorite route is a go route, so he can definitely do it.
‘‘ We’re going to be in a position going forward in these next four games where we’re going to have to take some shots at some point, and he’s definitely a candidate for that.’’
Even though he’s 6- 3 and has long arms, Meredith really hasn’t shown it yet.
When Kevin White was put on injured reserve, Meredith slid into the No. 2 role, and the offense didn’t change. But it will with Jeffery out.
Meredith excelled in plays that were typically designed for White.
Before his 50- yard Hail Mary touchdown, Meredith’s longest receptions went for 30 yards against the Colts and 36 yards against the Jaguars. But both were short completions, not jump balls.
The 30- yarder was the result of a short curl route and broken tackles. The 36- yarder was a well- executed screen. This rookie will play Rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard will start his second consecutive game with Mitch Unrein sidelined by a back injury.
Bullard has improved over time, but he’s still not reacting to plays and his reads as quickly as the Bears want. His coveted fast first step has been slower because he’s overthinking.
“It’s getting better,’’ Bullard said. “I still think sometimes about taking certain chances and stuff where they’re telling me to just go ahead and play.
“I try to just play now. I still think about certain things that I shouldn’t and that they don’t want me thinking about. But that’s just going to come with time.’’
Let this rookie play
Safety Deon Bush’s development has lagged behind that of other rookies since he injured his hamstring in the preseason.
But the Bears are starting to phase in the fourth- round pick, getting him snaps in the dime package.
It only has amounted to eight plays over the last four games, but it’s a start.
“He’s doing better, taking baby steps,’’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. ‘‘ Maybe he’ll warrant some more action as we move forward.’’
— Adam L. Jahns