Quick Shots: Wolfe finally gets opportunity

Garrett Wolfe had to answer questions early this week about not getting to play any offensive snaps last Sunday.

He won't have to repeat the procedure between now and Chicago's next game Dec. 17 at Minnesota.

Expected to get a more prominent role in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants, he did not spell new starter Adrian Peterson at all.

That changed in Thursday night's 24-16 loss at Washington.

Wolfe ran for 11 yards on his first carry with 3:45 left in the third quarter. He added a paior of 1-yard runs before going 12, 13, 7 and 5 yards with his first professional receptions.

Wolfe entered the Redskins game with nine carries for 31 yards and no catches.

With his mindset, Wolfe didn't let Sunday's snub affect him.

"I just prepare for everything," the former Northern Illinois standout said on Tuesday, "and expect the worst.

"If the opportunity had risen for me to play, I'd have been prepared. But the opportunity didn't come. With the output that Adrian put out (149 combined yards rushing and receiving), you couldn't ask for more. He did a great job and should be commended for it."

The fact he's produced very little for a third-round selection occasionally gets thown in his face.

"It can be frustrating at times," he said. "That's why I pay very little attention to what's written or said on television. My feeling is that everyone is entitled to their opinion.

"I just haven't had the opportunity to prove anyone wrong. When the opportunity comes, I'll be fine."

With Chicago out of the playoff hunt, the Bears need to take a good look at Wolfe in the remaining three games.

Let the spotlight shine

Even though Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe are low-profile compared to established stars, they have their own appeal.

Peterson has been surrounded by the media several times since he took over for the injured Cedric Benson.

"It doesn't matter, really," he said of the attention. "I'm still the same guy doing the same thing. It comes with the job, I guess. It's cool."

Wolfe said he's surprised "by how many people recognize your face."

"People treat me very well, and I appreciate that," he said.

One less worry

Robbie Gould has on advantage over every other kicker in the NFL -- he doesn't have to game-plan for Devin Hester.

"I'm just glad he's on my team," he said.

Gould still has to practice the same kicks his opponents do.

"All the time," he said. "Whether it be the squib kick or pooch kick, you see a lot of kicks being kicked in all different angles. I've been very fortunate to have Devin on my team so I don't have to worry about it.

"At same time, I get an opportunity to practice all those kicks and become better at them. You work on them all the time, so the kicker's mentality doesn't really change other than don't put it in his hands."

Manning compares to Favre

So says New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan of his team's quarterback, Eli Manning. Manning overcame a sorry start to direct two late touchdown drives Sunday to beat Chicago 21-16.

"When you think about a Brett Favre, the one thing that they always say about (him) is that 'he's a gunslinger. He'll throw a pick and keep slinging.' But as a player who would play with him, you'd love that," Strahan said.

"You want a quarterback who's fearless, who's not afraid to make a mistake. Talent-wise, he (Manning) is as talented as any other quarterback in the league."

Reed Schreck's NFL Quick Shots appear Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact him at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.