Finding space for Roach

CHICAGO -- Despite Lovie Smith's painting an optimistic picture regarding Hunter Hillenmeyer's injured ribs, it's fair to wonder whether the Bears might be better off with Nick Roach starting at middle linebacker versus Detroit. For all the positive attributes Hillenmeyer brings to the table, there is simply no comparison when it comes to speed: Roach has it, and Hillenmeyer doesn't have enough of it. One of Hillenmeyer's biggest strengths is his knowledge of the position. He knows exactly where he's supposed to be on every play. But the same can be said for Roach, who worked at middle linebacker last year before a different injury to Hillenmeyer forced Roach to slide over to the strong side. "I felt good about it," Roach said Monday at Halas Hall. "The last couple weeks since Brian [Urlacher] has been out, I've been practicing back there behind Hunter. It's fun; you're kind of in the middle of everything, like watching a big-screen television. You kind of get to see all the actio...