Debby Wong-USA Today Sports
The position of safety is one of many strengths for the Chicago Bears on the defensive side of the ball. With Chris Conte and Major Wright going into training camp as first team safeties, the signing of Tom Zbikowski appears to be for security purposes. One can never have enough quality players on a football team.
Released by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, Zbikowski comes to Chicago with 25 career starts, 38 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception on the 2012 season. Zbikowski’s addition to the Bears roster may not have been one of need, but the safety’s presence on the team at leastmeans an upgrade in the third phase of the game: special teams.
As a possible gunner and/or member of the kickoff and punt teams, Zbikowski has all the necessary tools to excel for a number of years for the Bears in that role.
However, as likely as that is to occur, there is still a real possibility that Zbikowski could end up a late training camp cut casualty. Despite his work ethic and promise, the fact remains that Zbikowski’s the odd man out. With the organization having a total of eight safeties to evaluate including Brandon Hardin, Tom Nelson, Chyl Quarles, Craig Steltz and Anthony Walters, Zbikowski’s place on the team isn’t quite set in stone.
Barring major injuries to the Bears secondary, the best Zbikowski can ask for at this point with the Bears is a fighter’s chance to hopefully ascend to the second team defense.
M. Quann Boyd is a writer for www.RantSports.com Follow him on Twitter @MQuannBoyd. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
