Bears - Rams Preview 9/20/12
By: Peter Fleischer
Updated: September 20, 2012
In years past, the St. Louis Rams were a welcome foe on the schedule.
This season, the Bears know they'll have to work for a win.
With an accomplished new head coach and Jeff Fisher and a revamped defense, the St. Louis Rams have been more competitive this season than any time in recent memory. Coming off a tough loss in Green Bay, the Bears know they have their work cut out for them.
Although the Rams have given up points, their defense has actually played very well. Their secondary, led by free agent signee Cortland Finnegan, has led the charge.
"Cortland Finnegan," Brandon Marshall smiled. "It says that you take on the character of your leader. So that secondary, you can see them doing the extra stuff after the whistle, that's how Cortland approaches the game."
Finnegan has two interceptions in his first two games as a Ram, and is second on the team with 15 tackles. But his most valuable contribution might be his ability to get into his opponent's head.
In their week two matchup with Washington, the Redskins were driving and in range for the game tying field goal before Finnegan drew a penalty against wide receiver Josh Morgan. The Redskins lost 15 yards on the play, and missed the game tying field goal.
Marshall knows he'll have his hands full with Finnegan.
"I'll have my conversation with Coach Lovie and maybe Phil Emery and tell them I may get ejected if Cortland does the little cheap stuff," he laughed, before admitting he and Finnegan are friends off the field.
Unlike in years past, the Bears will have to play their best football to move above .500.
With an accomplished new head coach and Jeff Fisher and a revamped defense, the St. Louis Rams have been more competitive this season than any time in recent memory. Coming off a tough loss in Green Bay, the Bears know they have their work cut out for them.
Although the Rams have given up points, their defense has actually played very well. Their secondary, led by free agent signee Cortland Finnegan, has led the charge.
"Cortland Finnegan," Brandon Marshall smiled. "It says that you take on the character of your leader. So that secondary, you can see them doing the extra stuff after the whistle, that's how Cortland approaches the game."
Finnegan has two interceptions in his first two games as a Ram, and is second on the team with 15 tackles. But his most valuable contribution might be his ability to get into his opponent's head.
In their week two matchup with Washington, the Redskins were driving and in range for the game tying field goal before Finnegan drew a penalty against wide receiver Josh Morgan. The Redskins lost 15 yards on the play, and missed the game tying field goal.
Marshall knows he'll have his hands full with Finnegan.
"I'll have my conversation with Coach Lovie and maybe Phil Emery and tell them I may get ejected if Cortland does the little cheap stuff," he laughed, before admitting he and Finnegan are friends off the field.
Unlike in years past, the Bears will have to play their best football to move above .500.
