Davis shines in Bears’ victory

By Paul Eide  |   Monday, August 21, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Chicago Bears
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Two weeks ago, Rashied Davis was just trying to secure a roster spot. Now, it appears he is in sole possession of the Chicago Bears' second wide receiver position. His versatility has been on full display in the first two preseason games, racking up a receiving touchdown against the 49ers last week and returning a kickoff for a score in Friday night's 24-3 victory over the Chargers.

What was supposed to be a battle featuring Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley has turned into more of an under card, where Davis' stellar play thus far has been the main event. Davis' athleticism is what's separated him from Berrian and Bradley after two exhibition games. On six catches, Davis has averaged 20.3 yards per catch and always seems to be the intended receiver on passing downs. To put it simply, Davis makes things happen when he has the ball, while Berrian and Bradley have not. While those two have great speed, neither has exhibited the post-catch elusiveness that has defined Davis' brief, but successful football career.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Davis didn't play football in high school. He played his first snap of organized football at West Los Angeles Community College before finishing his college career playing receiver, defensive back and returning kickoffs at San Jose State.

After college, Davis wasn't drafted by an NFL team. He played the next three years in the Arena Football League and was named the offensive MVP in 2005 while playing for the champion San Jose SaberCats.

After the AFL season concluded, Davis was signed by the Bears and appeared in 12 games. He played in a combined total of 31 games in '05 which is amazing, considering his diminutive size (5-foot-9, 180 pounds) and the fact that he is constantly around the ball.

Honed by time spent on the shortened fields of the AFL, Davis' ability to find and utilize a hole in the smallest of spaces was shown during his 100-yard kickoff return and has been the theme of his pro career thus far.

Bears Game Notes:

- Kicker Robbie Gould's 49-yard field goal was longer than any of the kicks he made last season, an area of concern for the ChicagoBears. Gould made 21-of-27 attempts last year, but was only 3-of-8 on kicks 40 yards and longer. Friday night's successful attempt came in the middle of a steady rain and would've been good from an additional five to 10 yards back.

- Brian Griese has led the Bears to a touchdown on three of his four drives this preseason, and looked very comfortable in the pocket on Friday night. He only threw four passes, completing two, one of them a nine-yard touchdown to wide receiver Justin Gage. Through two exhibition games, Griese is 8-of-11 for 150 yards, three touchdowns and a whopping 154.4 quarterback rating.

- Rex Grossman looked much better against the Chargers than he did in the first preseason game against the 49ers. He was patient in the pocket and seemed to have a better feel for the game. The only glaring mistake was his interception at the end of the first half where he threw into double coverage while attempting to connect with fullback Gabe Reid. In Grossman's defense, at least two very catchable balls were dropped while he was in the game.

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