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Danieal Manning Named Chicago Bears’ Starting Free Safety

07.31.2009 · Posted in Recreation Articles

Danieal Manning’s first NFL season was the 2007 season, and the expectations were high. Right away, he was inserted into the Chicago Bears lineup as their starting free safety.nnLast season was somewhat different; the Bears limited his use to a kick returner and a nickelback. This season looks like it’ll be different, though. Manning will still return kicks and will still have a role at nickelback, but he’ll also be Chicago’s free safety.nnHere’s what ChicagoSunTimes.com had to say…nnEven though Manning didn’t play any free safety whatsoever during the 2009 offseason, he’ll assume the role at the team’s first official training routine Friday afternoon. The strong safety position is up in the air between Kevin Payne and Nick Steltz, but Manning has the free safety role carved out for now. Manning will still play nickelback on passing plays, with Steltz filling in at FS on these plays.nnThis seems like a great move because of Manning’s physical prowess. Besides, Steltz is a good fit at strong safety.nnLovie Smith had this to say about Danieal:nnAccording to Smith, Danieal Manning has made leaps and bounds during his two seasons in the league, maturing greatly as a player and expanding his knowledge of the game. Smith is confident in Manning’s poise, and feels that he’s primed to succeed in his new role.nn “Ive heard people talk about the different positions Danieal has played, but that only helps you. He knows exactly what it feels like to play [corner, safety and nickel]. Hes played every position in the secondary. Thats helped his football knowledge and is going to make him a better free safety.”nnLovie Smith also declared second year player Zackary Bowman the starter across from Nathan Vasher in training camp. Bowman gets the spot over Corey Graham because Graham has been playing free safety this offseason.nnWhen asked about his decision, coach Smith spoke very highly of Bowman. Smith credited Bowman with many big plays and a willingness to learn. While he said this was no guarantee for success on the field, he was willing to take his chances.

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