WR Dane Sanzenbacher (Official Thread)

[Buckskin86]

Dane Sanzenbacher getting bubble-teamed
BY MARK POTASH [email protected] July 30, 2012


BOURBONNAIS ? Dane Sanzenbacher is in familiar territory at training camp ? right back where he started from.

A year ago, Sanzenbacher was one of the biggest stories of camp. Coming in cold as an undrafted rookie after the NFL lockout ended, the 5-11, 180-pound wide receiver earned first-team reps by the first practice in pads.

He not only made the roster but played a key role at wide receiver after Earl Bennett was injured. He caught touchdown passes against the Saints, Packers and Vikings in his first six NFL games. He finished with modest numbers ? 27 receptions for 276 yards ? but the three touchdown catches were more than any other Bears wide receiver.

Now Sanzenbacher is back on the roster bubble, trying to beat the odds again to make the team.

??If I?ve learned anything through the years that I?ve played football and even [at] Ohio State, I know that I?m not going to be handed anything,?? Sanzenbacher said. ??The minute you start to think that, you get put back in your place anyway.

??I don?t feel cheated about it. My work last year earned me that year in the NFL, and it?s a privilege to play in it. Every year you have to prove yourself.??

cont...

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/foot.../dane-sanzenbacher-getting-bubble-teamed.html

 

[utgrad73]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/foot.../dane-sanzenbacher-getting-bubble-teamed.html

"We can overtalk it, but it's a simple formula," he said. "Get open, catch the ball, and the guys will want you here."

Simple formula indeed. I hope his alma mater's receiver corps is listening.

 

[Buckskin86]

Dane Sanzenbacher fighting for a job with Chicago Bears again
By Jay Taft
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jul 31, 2012

(PHOTO) DANE SANZENBACHER 7/29/2012
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago Bears wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher (18), right, catches a ball during NFL football training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais on Sunday, July 29, 2012.

BOURBONNAIS ? Dane Sanzenbacher came into Chicago Bears training camp last year as an undrafted, and unrecognizable, rookie wide receiver. He had to scratch and claw his way onto the roster.

And he paid off, becoming the team?s third-leading wide receiver with 27 catches, three for touchdowns.

Now he?s back, and one would think his performance in 2011 gives him a comfortable spot on the roster. But such isn?t the case.

?Last year, coming in I just knew it was going to be a fight until the end for me to make the team,? he said. ?And now here, coming in this year, we?ve got a crowded roster. There?s a bunch of talent in the room, and it?s going to be a fight again.?

He knows he has a little bit of an edge, because he went through the exact same process last year. So he?s using everything he learned to help him do it again.

?The comfort level is probably the biggest thing,? he said. ?Confidence is a huge part of playing out here, because guys are so talented and everybody can catch the ball and everybody can run, so you have to do little things to separate yourself.

?Having that experience behind me and being able to just go right out and play, and play fast, really helps me.?

cont...

http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x417...r-fighting-for-a-job-with-Chicago-Bears-again

 

[utgrad73]

Brandon Saine's and Dane Sanzenbacher's stories sound very similar. I'm sure that their similar lineage is what makes them so special. Good to hear both are pecking away at winning a spot on the roster. Dane's story doesn't surprise me as much as Brandon's though. He always seemed a little lost at times and under-utilized as a RB. Now with the opportunity hitting them square in the face, they are making the most of it. I can't help but think that Coach Tressel had a lot to do with molding these two guys - good judge of character. They emerged as better men.

 

[Buckskin86]

Sanzenbacher jumps at new opportunity
August, 5, 2012
By Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- A strange turn of events Sunday moved second-year receiver Dane Sanzenbacher into the starting lineup for the Chicago Bears.

He’s not complaining, though.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Dane Sanzenbacher continues to impress Bears coaches in camp.

“It’s great. I think as many reps as you can get with those guys, the better,” Sanzenbacher said. “Obviously you want to be out there getting that rhythm. It’s one thing to be on the field, but it’s different being with a different group of receivers, different quarterbacks. So the more you get with that first team and start to get that chemistry going, it helps.”

Sanzenbacher worked with the first team Sunday because starter Earl Bennett suffered a leg injury during an early portion of the workout. Earlier in the day, Bennett’s primary backup Devin Thomas announced he had decided to retire.

That meant more first-team repetitions for Sanzenbacher, while undrafted rookie Brittan Golden worked with the second team. Bears coach Lovie Smith said Sanzenbacher continues to impress the coaching staff.

“(He’s making a) big impression, the same type he made last year coming in as an undrafted free agent and earning a spot on the roster,” Smith said. He’s improved his play just in general. He picks up things pretty quickly. We’re pleased with him. He should have a good shot with our team.”

cont...

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4676866/sanzenbacher-jumps-at-new-opportunity

Bears' WR Dane Sanzenbacher making a strong push for a roster spot
By Adam Oestmann, Sunday

As an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2011, WR Dane Sanzenbacher was able to make enough of an impression on Bears’ coaches to earn a roster spot in his rookie season.

But that was on a team clearly deficient at the wide receiver position.

This year, on a team suddenly and seemly deep at wide receiver, Sanzenbacher looks poised to earn a far more meaningful position with the team in 2012.

Make no mistake about it, despite Dane’s struggles in 2011, he and quarterback Jay Cutler have chemistry; it’s evident during every practice of training camp.

The Bears have sent a lot of balls Sanzenbacher’s way in practice; showing him looks with the first team offense at times. And, to Dane’s credit, he’s made the most of his opportunities.

Sanzenbacher had been in an uphill battle with WR Devin Thomas in trying to convince the Bears to carry six wide receivers on their regular season roster.

But Sanzenbacher wasn’t much of a special teams contributor; Thomas was.

Dane caught a break on Sunday when Thomas announced that he would retire from the NFL and leave the Bears.

Lovie Smith said this of Sanzenbacher after practice on Sunday: “We’re pleased with him. He’ll have a good shot at our team.” Somewhat strong words for a typically insipid Smith.

cont...

http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-b...acher-making-a-strong-push-for-a-roster-spot/

Dane Sanzenbacher, rookies get more time after Devin Thomas leaves
By Gene Chamberlain | CBSSports.com
August 5, 2012

Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher seemed a long shot for making the roster a second straight year after the Chicago Bears upgraded their wide receiver corps with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Eric Weems, and Devin Thomas.

Now, Sanzenbacher, undrafted rookie Brittan Golden, and a handful of others look to have a better shot after Thomas quit the team suddenly and retired from football Sunday.

"When I found out about it, it was a surprise to me," coach Lovie Smith said about Thomas. "But you don't want a guy out here if he's not totally into football and he has a passion to play it.

"So, it's not like I try to talk guys out of it when they've made up their mind."

Thomas quitting at age 25 simply because he had other interests to pursue stunned the wide receiver group -- no small feat considering they went through the Sam Hurd arrest on federal drug charges last year.

Sanzenbacher called it "something I haven't seen before."

"Everybody's at a different point in their career, has different things going on outside of football, different personal things," Sanzenbacher added.

It led to Sanzenbacher getting some reps with the first group of receivers and quarterback Jay Cutler in the 7-on-7 and full-squad scrimmage.

"Obviously you want to be out there getting in that rhythm," he said.

Sanzenbacher has displayed better hands than last year when he tied Roy Williams for the team lead with seven dropped passes. Golden, a rookie from West Texas A&M, has been targeted constantly against backup defenders throughout camp. He manages to get open deep and has shown good hands.

The aspect the Bears lose with Thomas is special teams. He could have been a four-phase special teams player, and Sanzenbacher had little or no impact on special teams last year.

The Bears' wide receiver depth has been tested all the more considering Weems has been out with an ankle injury. He returned to the field in full pads after almost a week away Sunday, but did not participate in any full-squad work.

http://www.cbssports.com/general/bl...okies-get-more-time-after-devin-thomas-leaves

Bears WR Dane Sanzenbacher has to prove himself again
BY SEAN JENSEN [email protected] August 5, 2012

BOURBONNAIS — Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher didn’t play on special teams much at Ohio State, and he isn’t all that jazzed about participating in them for the Bears.

“Obviously, my goal isn’t to be a special-teamer,’’ Sanzenbacher said. ‘‘I doubt that’s anyone’s goal; everybody wants to play their position. I need to take care of business at receiver, and then I’ll get more opportunities on special teams.”

That’s not to say Sanzenbacher can’t — or won’t — do it.

“If you can play your position, [special-teams] coach [Dave] Toub will find a place for you,” he said. “And when I’m out there, I’m going to give him everything I’ve got.”

An undrafted rookie last season, Sanzenbacher was active for all 16 games and even started one. He had 27 catches for 276 yards and three touchdowns.

During the offseason, though, the Bears traded for three-time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, drafted Alshon Jeffery in the second round and signed veterans Eric Weems and Devin Thomas as free agents.

On Sunday, Thomas retired, and Weems has been sidelined for most of training camp with an injury. So with Earl Bennett out with a calf injury, Sanzenbacher stepped in and hauled in several passes from quarterback Jay Cutler.

“Big impression,” coach Lovie Smith said of how Sanzenbacher has fared. “The same type he made last year, coming in as an undrafted free agent and earning a spot on the roster. He has a role, what he can do. Quick receiver in the slot. Shows up every day. He’s a good football player.”

That, however, doesn’t guarantee him anything.

Four spots are locked up (Marshall, Devin Hester, Bennett and Jeffery), and Weems, who received $1.5 million in guarantees, also would appear a safe bet to make the roster. So that means Sanzenbacher would be competing with Brittan Golden and Terriun Crump, undrafted free agents, for a sixth spot.

If there’s a sixth spot.

The Bears could use that for another position such as running back, where Armando Allen has been impressive, even though he’s fourth on the depth chart.

Sanzenbacher knows nothing is guaranteed.

“I have just as much to prove,’’ Sanzenbacher said. ‘‘You go into the locker room on your Family Day, and you still don’t have a guaranteed locker yet. It’s the same situation, just a year down the road.”

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/foot...-sanzenbacher-has-to-prove-himself-again.html

Sanzenbacher may stick with Bears
Seemingly an afterthought, 2nd-year receiver draws notice
By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter
August 5, 2012

BOURBONNAIS — Just last week, some wondered if Dane Sanzenbacher would have a place on the Bears' 53-man roster. Sunday, the talk shifted to how the second-year receiver could be another target in the offense.

Sanzenbacher's roster status received a boost when fifth-year veteran Devin Thomas, who was signed in March primarily for special teams, abruptly quit the team. Sanzenbacher also saw his share of first-team reps during Sunday training camp practice at Olivet Nazarene University as Earl Bennett nursed a lower leg injury.

Sanzenbacher looked solid catching the ball throughout the day.

"Big impression,'' coach Lovie Smith said of Sanzenbacher's play. "The same type he made last year as an undrafted free agent and earning a spot on the roster. He has a role — quick receiver in the slot. He shows up every day. He's a good football player.''

The Bears had five receivers on the active roster at the end of last season and seem likely to keep as many as six this year. The top five seem to be set with Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Bennett, rookie Alshon Jeffery and special teams ace Eric Weems. Johnny Knox is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from spinal fusion surgery.

Sanzenbacher could be in a battle with impressive rookie Brittan Golden, and special teams might factor into the final decision.

"When you're in the position I'm in, you not only have to make the common plays, but you have to start making those plays that not everybody can,'' Sanzenbacher said. "And I did a little bit of special teams toward the end of last year. Obviously wherever coach (Dave) Toub needs me, I want to get in.''

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...-bits-bears-chicago--20120806,0,5752003.story

Sanzenbacher in position to benefit from Thomas exit
August 5, 2012

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Dane Sanzenbacher got up Sunday morning ready to fight the same uphill battle he’s had for two training camps now to make the roster of the Chicago Bears. He was a major surprise last year, so perhaps it’s just a little fitting that he got a major surprise around lunch time.

That’s when it became official that receiver/special teamer Devin Thomas was retiring. It came without warning but left in its aftermath an improved opportunity for Sanzenbacher.

Thomas was becoming an increasing longshot to make the roster, with lackluster play and little impact in practice – not what the Bears expected with they signed him last March.

As that has been happening, Sanzenbacher has quietly done exactly what he did last training camp when he made the Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State.

“[Sanzenbacher has made a] big impression,” coach Lovie Smith said. “The same type he made last year, coming in as an undrafted free agent and earning a spot on the roster. He has a role, what he can do: Quick receiver in the slot. Shows up every day. He’s a good football player.”

cont...

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-...n-to-benefit-from?blockID=751895&feedID=10330

 

[utgrad73]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?story_id=8950

What kind of camp is Dane Sanzenbacher having and what are his chances of making the 53-man roster?

Receiver Dane Sanzenbacher has been performing very well in training camp for the second straight summer. I know he dropped some passes during his rookie season last year, but he?s been catching everything thrown his way in Bourbonnais...

 

[Buckskin86]

Sanzenbacher has strong backer
But Cutler's support may not be enough for receiver to make roster
By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter
August 6, 2012

BOURBONNAIS ? If Jay Cutler's input factors into the decision, Dane Sanzenbacher should have a serious chance to make the Bears' 53-man roster.

But even if Sanzenbacher performs well in the preseason, there is no guarantee, unless the Bears commit to keeping an inordinate amount of receivers.

The off-the-field bond between Cutler, the quarterback, and Sanzenbacher, the second-year receiver, has been evident for quite some time. Friendship aside, Cutler is a firm believer in Sanzenbacher, the player.

"You watch film on Dane and you have to keep him, from a quarterback's perspective,'' Cutler said. "I know there are numbers and he's got to contribute with Dave (Toub) and the special teams group. But every single day he's coming out here, he's catching balls. ? He's going to be hard to let go, if we have to.''

cont....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...-side-bears-chicago--20120807,0,4778154.story

 

[utgrad73]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8955

"It's going to be tough," Cutler said. "I don't know how many we're going to keep; four, five or six. A lot of guys contribute on special teams, but Dane and Eric Weems are right there with those guys. They make a hard case to cut either one of those guys because they'd definitely get picked up somewhere else and they're definitely going to contribute somewhere else if we do let them go."

"We've got a lot of weapons," Cutler said. "Even the free agent receivers we've got, they're getting better and better. I think [with general manager] Phil Emery and the scouting department, you can definitely tell the difference in talent in the three years [I've been] here. Even the guys that didn't get drafted can play football."

He's got a shot.

 

[utgrad73]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?story_id=8958

I'm pulling for Dane Sanzenbacher to make the Bears roster again this season but am not sure how much he contributes on special teams, which obviously is a requirement for the fifth or sixth receiver. How involved is he in that aspect of the game?
Pete W.
Berea, Ohio
Eric Weems and Rashied Davis are certainly more experienced and at this point probably still better than Dane Sanzenbacher on special teams. But Sanzenbacher was a two-phase starter for the Bears on special teams over the final quarter or so of last season, contributing on the kickoff return as well as a punt protector. Here?s what special teams coordinator Dave Toub said about Sanzenbacher this week at training camp: "If he's in that role, if he's the fourth or fifth receiver, or sixth receiver for that matter, we know he can come in and play special teams for us. We feel comfortable with that."

A positive nod from Coach Toub. Anyone remember Dane's KO return last year against the Brownies in a pre-season game?

 

[utgrad73]

Please explain your Dane Sanzenbacher Love...

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire


View full size photo ?

I kind of understood the affection for the little undrated free agent that could last year. In 2011 the Chicago Bears, historically thin at wide out, signed Roy Williams to be the de facto number one receiver. He didn't impress in camp, nor in preseason, nor when the games mattered. But this little #18 fella, with the hard to spell last name seemed to be forming a rapport with Jay Cutler. He was sold as being smart, with great hands, a savvy route runner, and I believe the word 'gritty' may have been thrown around.

http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2012/8/22/3260119/please-explain-your-dane-sanzenbacher-love

Still fighting the same thing as before.

 

[OSU_D/]

http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2012/8/22/3260119/please-explain-your-dane-sanzenbacher-love

Still fighting the same thing as before.

I have a lot of love for Dane, but he isn't fighting the same thing as before. Unfortunately the drops did come into play and when I watched him he didn't create the same separation he did at OSU.

Of course I wish all the best of Dane and should Chicago not retain him I hope he catches on somewhere else.

 

[utgrad73]

I have a lot of love for Dane, but he isn't fighting the same thing as before. Unfortunately the drops did come into play and when I watched him he didn't create the same separation he did at OSU.

Of course I wish all the best of Dane and should Chicago not retain him I hope he catches on somewhere else.

We have been reading too much on sports blogs about last year. I think he should be judged on this year's performance/efforts. Not ready to boot him off the team quit yet, let's see if Dane can bring it up a notch and show us his mettle.

 

[Buckskin86]

Sanzenbacher's "special" play carving himself a roster spot
August 26, 2012

Sanzenbacher, Davis could battle for position at WR
Dane Sanzenbacher and Rashied Davis could be fighting for one wide receiver spot on the Bears' roster, but either way Lovie Smith says he's happy with the position - 8/26

Dane Sanzenbacher began camp as a longshot to even make a roster that had added Eric Weems and Devin Thomas, wideouts with special-teams stripes, in the offseason.

Then Thomas abruptly retired early in training camp. Before Sanzebacher could exhale, however, the Bears brought back four-phase special-teams standout Rashied Davis.

Sanzenbacher is still standing. More than just standing, actually.

The undrafted free agent out of Ohio State appears to have edged ahead of Davis by virtue, ironically perhaps, of special teams.

Both players have caught two passes in preseason. But Sanzenbacher, who has a solid rapport with quarterback Jay Cutler, is on three of the four special-teams units where Davis is on two, and Sanzenbacher was credited with an assisted tackle Friday against the New York Giants, and Sanzenbacher returned two punts vs. the Giants, giving him three this preseason.

Davis has not been credited with a tackle in press box statistics and picked up a demerit with a dropped pass in the Washington game.

?Receiver-wise you get a lot of chances to make plays, but I like that receiver group,? coach Lovie Smith said. ?Whether we keep five, six, seven, whatever, we?re going to feel pretty good about it.??

http://www.csnchicago.com/football-...lay-carving-himse?blockID=763299&feedID=10330

 

[Buckskin86]

Sanzenbacher hoping to land roster spot
August, 27, 2012
By Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com

Dane SanzenbacherAP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Dane Sanzenbacher has earned the confidence of Jay Cutler, but will it mean another roster spot?

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- If Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a say, wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher would earn another spot on the team's 53-man roster for the second consecutive year. But since personnel decisions tend to be made by the people upstairs, Sanzebacher must continue to fight off veteran Rashied Davis for the sixth receiver spot, if in fact the Bears decide to keep that many bodies at the position.

Sanzenbacher made the club last summer as an undrafted rookie free agent and wound up catching 27 balls for 276 yards and three touchdowns. However, after the Bears upgraded at wideout in the offseason with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Eric Weems, Sanzenbacher wasn't promised a job heading into the training camp. His odds of making the team appeared to increase with Devin Thomas' sudden retirement early in camp, but the Bears went on the sign Davis, a proven commodity on special teams who spent six years in Chicago before playing for the Detroit Lions last season.

"I feel comfortable," Sanzenbacher said. "It's not something that if you stress about it's going to help the situation. You need to stay focused on what your job is and go out and execute in the games and put your best foot forward. Sitting there, up at night stressing about it is not going to help. Staying focused on everything, trying to do your job, trying to excel at practice and standing out. That's what is going to help you."

cont...

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4677414/sanzenbacher-hoping-to-land-roster-spot

 

[Buckskin86]

Rashied Davis released by Bears
By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter
August 29, 2012

The competition between Rashied Davis and Dane Sanzenbacher for a spot on the Chicago Bears' 53-man roster has ended: Davis told the Tribune he was released Wednesday morning.

The Bears had not announced the move, but Davis suffered an undisclosed injury and did not practice Tuesday.

With Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Alshon Jeffery and Eric Weems locks to make the roster, it appeared to come down to Sanzenbacher or Davis for that sixth receiver spot.

Davis, who was signed late during training camp, had experience on his side in terms of his previous play on special teams, but Sanzenbacher showed great progress on special teams throughout the preseason. Not to mention quarterback Jay Cutler has publicly lobbied for Sanzenbacher to stick.

Sanzenbacher, a former undrafted player from Ohio State, caught 27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie last season.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...her-in-roster-battle-20120829,0,6504374.story