Working for the last two years with former NFL standout Howard Griffith, I've learned never to overlook the importance of the fullback position. It's a thankless job, but one that carries with it signifigant responsibilities. So I never hesitate to discuss the lesser-known part of the Bears' backfield.
Here's a question I recently received from reader Nick D'Alessandro: "I saw the Bears signed fullback Will Ta'ufo'ou from California. I was wondering if he has a chance to beat out Jason McKie? Ta'ufo'ou looks more explosive and faster then McKie, who just doesn't seem to really standout when he gets the ball in short-yardage scenarios."
First, let's tackle Ta'ufo'ou. From all accounts he is a tough blocker who has played through a variety of injuries in his career. Cal coaches credited Ta'ufo'ou for leading the way in their rushing attack and called him one of their most valuable players. However, carrying the football really wasn't his strength. The official Cal website lists Ta'ufo'ou with only 16 career rushing attempts and 13 receptions for one touchdown.
Now to McKie, who also is known to play through pain. He refused to go on injured reserve last season after completely shredding his quad muscle against St. Louis. McKie did not play again after the Rams win, but did dress for the final game at Houston. On a few occastions McKie was turned back in short-yardage situations, the most memorable being in the Carolina defeat.
Was that McKie not getting the job done? Was that due to the offensive line getting blown off the line of scrimmage? Or was it a bad play call? To pin the blame entirely on the fullback is unfair.
However, like many veterans, I'm sure McKie feels a great sense of urgency with both Jason Davis and Ta'ufo'ou potentially gunning for his job. Given the way that McKie has attacked this off-season from a training standpoint, I expect him to be healthy and ready to compete this summer in Bourbonnais. I still expect McKie to be the guy barring any sort of medical setback.