Harris suspended for one game (but play Chicago’s ‘DST’ anyway)

By Os Davis  |   Friday, October 03, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Chicago Bears
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Well, the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions game is now a bit tougher to call: News outlets are tersely reporting that the Bears have “suspended three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris for Sunday's road game against the Detroit Lions for breaking an unspecified team rule.”

Commentary: Harris was already listed as questionable for the Lions game before the mysterious unspecified act of misconduct. Questionable also has been his on-again, off-again play this season – much like the low-stamina, inconsistent Chicago defense in general.

Listed after Harris -- who signed a $40 million contract extension over the summer -- on the depth chart is Israel Idonije, who most notably turned in a pressure-inducing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in which he notched as many tackles (three) as Harris has the entire season in last week's 24-20 victory. This season is definitely looking like Idonije’s time to break out and become another big-time piece on Chicago's defense.

Injury watch: This is the time of year for defenses to being showing signs of wear and tear as injuries settle in. Along with Harris, who has been playing at least somewhat dinged up all year thus far, missing from the Chicago ‘D’ will be Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher. Detroit is reporting no major injuries.

Fantasy Football Impact: The Lions' offense may in fact be capable of putting up points like it did in 2007, but little more than desperation points have been scored by Detroit this season. Ironically for those fantasy owners who have been waiting for/have just picked up Rudi Johnson, this may be the first time Detroit takes to the air early (without digging themselves a three-TD hole first, that is) with the key losses to the Chicago secondary. Calvin Johnson and Jon Kitna may be good starts, the latter particularly if you’ve got a bye guy on your roster.

For the Bears, after sure thing Matt Forte, you’ve got to go with the 'DST', right? Even though the Lions might put up some points, hey, they might not. The weak Detroit O-line will also allow sacks – a guaranteed four, say the statistics, and talk about your consistency – while an interception or two from Kitna is also likely forthcoming. If these stats are more valuable in your league, Chicago's 'DST' is a decent call, even without three starters. (Boy, the Lions are bad, aren’t they?)
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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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