Brad Briggs, Inside the Bears , answers a question:
Q: What do you know about Mike Hass’ standing with the coaches? He seemed like a real promising rookie last spring and summer but then never got in a regular-season game. Have the coaches soured on him?
Cliff, Clinton, Ind.
Hi Cliff,
I wanted to get to a Hass question quickly (there were several). He is the most popular player the Bears have had in at least the last eight years that has never done a thing on the field for them. Hass did dress for the Philadelphia game last season and was in on a handful of special teams plays. I’d say his lack of experience and ability to play special teams was probably the biggest reason he didn’t see more action. It’s a little farfetched to think he would have been a panacea for the dreadful passing game in 2007. If the coaches could not find a spot to utilize former second-round draft pick Mark Bradley, and needed nearly a half-season to get Devin Hester more involved, how can you expect them to carve out a niche for the former Biletnikoff Award winner? I know the guy has amazing hands and I’ve seen it myself in practice. But it’s going to be an uphill battle for him to make the roster in his third NFL season, and I would imagine at this point he’d probably embrace an opportunity elsewhere.
With Bradley, Hester, Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd and Rashied Davis (the restricted free agent is expected to return) that’s five wideouts right there. It’s a near certainty the club drafts one to bring them to six. Unless Lloyd finds a way to get himself cut, or someone gets injured (always possible), it’s going to be a challenge. Brandon Rideau finds himself in the same position because it’s just unlikely the team that gets off the bus running will keep seven wide receivers. They kept six last season didn’t use No. 6. Hass is a good guy and here’s hoping he gets a fair shake.
-The Chicago Sun-Times
Watch Steve Largent videos and you will understand where a guy like Hass fits in.
Largent was not well received as a starter either… until an offensive coach began working an outlet pass into their weapons.
This guy is an offensive weapon. The Bear coaches need to factor in his unique catching strengths at 10 yards.
Agreed. He is a threat within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage, at all times. He will be a guy like Brandon Stokley (only a little slower) at the least. Someone who is always open and always ready to catch and run.