Shaffer shares Browns insight
By TOM MUSICK -- Shaw Suburban Media
LAKE FOREST – Bears reserve offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer has a pretty good idea about what to expect Sunday from the Cleveland Browns.
After all, Shaffer started 47 games for the Browns during the previous three seasons.
Shaffer spoke this week about the differences between Browns quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Both have played this season, although Anderson is expected to start against the Bears.
“D.A. had a great arm,” said Shaffer, who has backed up Orlando Pace and Chris Williams this season. “He was a guy that was going to sit in the pocket and make a play. Brady is the type of guy who can move around a little bit. He’s a strong kid, he’s pretty athletic. He can’t throw the ball quite as far or as hard, but he makes up [for it] with his athleticism.”
Despite the Bears’ struggles on the offensive line, Shaffer has not received a chance to start. He said he was willing to fill any role that Bears coaches asked of him.
“I come to practice every day and I work hard, and of course you want to play,” said Shaffer, 29. “But I think the guys that are playing are doing a great job. If I get my opportunity, then I’ll take advantage of it.”
Losing patience: The Bears touted tight end Greg Olsen as a potential deep threat throughout training camp and the preseason, but those hopes have given way to frustration.
Olsen has averaged 9.2 yards a reception in six games this season. Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner admitted this week that the team’s inability to find Olsen downfield was frustrating.
“We’ve called some things; we’ve tried to get it going, [and] it hasn’t,” Turner said. “We’ve got to keep working. Some of it is some of the looks we see and some other things, but we’ll continue to try to get it [corrected].”
Bears bits: Defensive tackle Matt Toeaina (calf) was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. ... Eight Bears players were listed as probable, including defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. ... The Bears will wear their orange alternate jerseys Sunday.
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