Aug. 29--Jarvis Jenkins launched his right shoulder into Andrew Luck's sternum and planted the Colts' star quarterback on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf last Saturday.
As the Bears' defensive end stood up, having helped force an incompletion, he was more gratified by how he got to the quarterback than the actual hit.
Studying video of the opponent. Learning their tendencies. Finding clues to determine run or pass. All that cerebral work paved his path to Luck.
"It comes with me being older," Jenkins said this week. "I'm kind of catching on to what blocking schemes I'm going to get and when I can take a liberty and when I can not. It comes with studying and maturing in this 3-4 defense."
The Bears need that edge after the latest blow to their defensive line. The NFL's three-game suspension of nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff leaves Jenkins as the Bears' only defensive lineman with NFL-level experience in a 3-4 front. It's the second in a one-two disciplinary punch, coming three months after the release of veteran Ray McDonald.
And Jenkins is just one of several players that must pick up the slack. That process begins in earnest Saturday night on the road against the Bengals. The third exhibition game effectively is a dress rehearsal for Week 1, so the line must demonstrate an ability to survive without Ratliff to engender confidence.
Coach John Fox said Ratliff's upcoming absence will affect playing time in the two remaining exhibitions. He didn't provide details, but rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman is expected either to start Saturday or play more with the first string.
"When a door closes for somebody it opens for somebody else," Fox said. "A lot of players are discovered through those opportunities."
Jenkins, Goldman and their linemates believe they're up for the challenge.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has said the line is the most important component to his defense because of its impact in the run game. He also said Aug. 7 that Ratliff was the only "good" defensive lineman in the group, and that others still were fighting for roles.
"That means the guys like even me have a lot more work to do," Jenkins said. "That means he's not trusting that we're coming in every day and being a pro. That's where putting it on film takes place. We have to put on film that we can go hard every play, know our techniques, know our assignments to where he doesn't have to worry about 'Rat' being gone."
Jenkins' four years of experience with the Redskins will push him into the spotlight during Ratliff's suspension. Goldman will join him because of his pedigree as a second-round pick.
Goldman has impressed coaches with his size and strength at the point of attack, but he needs to stockpile experience in a hurry.
Said defensive line coach Jay Rodgers: "He's starting to understand how to play the game now, and so it's all about: 'Where can I take shortcuts? Where can I tell where the ball's going before it goes there? What are the tips the offensive line is giving away?'"
Jenkins is applying his own answers to those questions. His first-quarter hit on Luck last week was a prime example.
On first-and-10 from the Colts' 20-yard line, Jenkins expected pass -- not because the Bears' had practiced twice against the Colts earlier in the week, but because right tackle Jack Mewhort was high in his stance. He knew the Colts would slide their offensive line protection away from the side running back was on and he noticed the fullback was positioned on the opposite side of the formation than he was.
After the snap, Jenkins used a strong punch and quick swipe to get inside guard Todd Herremans and open the lane to Luck. He won the mental matchup. Consistently doing so could help offset Ratliff's absence.
"It's going to be on me to make sure these guys are ready to play," Jenkins said. "Once things start breaking down, they're going to be like, 'Who's the leader on this defense? Who has the most experience?' Their play is going to reflect on me, just like my play is going to reflect on them."
rcampbell@tribpub.com
