WitP: Pisa, Wayne Hunter, Colt

The Chicago Bears have officially named Pisa Tinoisamoa their starting strongside linebacker.

“We have some good linebackers here and they all have played well, but Pisa’s been steady and been that way throughout,” said coach Lovie Smith. “He really played well this past week against the Giants.

“He brings energy, he hustles, he’s a tough guy, and he’s played at a high level in the league before, so we have an idea [how he’ll perform]. We let it play out and he deserves to be called the starter now.”

The most impressive of Tinoisamoa’s four tackles in last Saturday night's win over the Giants came when the 6-1, 230-pound linebacker stuffed bruising 6-4, 264-pound running back Brandon Jacobs in the hole for no gain.

“Being here has just been a great experience,” Tinoisamoa said. “It’s good to be named the starter, but I know that I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain and perform.”

Woot woot!

New York Jets tackle/tight end Wayne Hunter can catch the ball.

T Wayne Hunter flashed some great hands today with two nifty catches on back-to-back plays. For someone who's 6-5, 303 pounds, he can really catch the ball and that's why the Jets have been using him sometimes as an extra tight end or on the tackle eligible play.

The Washington Post's Jason Reid writes that both Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel will play in the second half against the Patriots tomorrow.

And Reid takes a closer look at what Jim Zorn may be looking for in his 3rd string QB.

If Zorn believes Daniel could be no more than a No. 3 quarterback because of his height (he doesn't appear to be as tall as he's listed in the team media guide), then I guess it wouldn't make much sense to keep him over Brennan, who defintiely has ability but takes too many chances with the ball. He has thrown two interceptions in 17 attempts.

Some in the organization have been a bit put off by Brennan's swagger. They view him as a way too arrogant for a guy who hasn't accomplished a thing in this here league. I've always enjoyed my conversations with Brennan, in part because we have that California connection. I covered the high school he attended, Santa Ana Mater Dei, when I was a cub reporter at the Los Angeles Times. We also share a fondness for In-N-Out Burger (it's a West Coast thing).

Several people in the organization have told me they really think Daniel can play at this level despite being vertically challenged. And if he were to perform well Sept. 3 in the final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, another team might sign him if the Redskins did not include him on the opening 53-man roster. The Redskins also figure another team definitely would sign Brennan, who clearly has the potential to be more than a No. 3 quarterback.