This one matters
Because the starters will play into the third quarter, Sunday night’s third preseason game is actually worth watching and, with a little game-planning thrown in, the performances mean something, unlike the other three preseason games that NFL charge full price for.
Other than comparing the starting quarterbacks, here’s what’s worth watching:
Devin Hester is supposed to get a chance to return punts for the first time this year. Even though he was a major disappointment in that role last year, he’s still a major attraction.
Al Afalava, a lightly regarded sixth-round pick, has had a greater impact than any rookie on the team, and there’s a good chance he’ll get a third straight start with the Bears being extra cautious with Danieal Manning’s hamstring injury.
Backup RB Kevin Jones is lighter, quicker and has a much healthier knee than he did a year ago, when his production was a disappointment. However, that improvement hasn’t shown up on the field, where Jones is averaging just 2.9 yards on 14 carries. He’s got to do better than that if he’s to be an effective complement to Matt Forte, who can’t be expected to have 379 touches and not wear down in the homestretch.
Frank Omiyale is now the starting left guard, and the former tackle has adapted quickly to his new position, but he has to continue the process of working in sync with center Olin Kreutz on one side and left tackle Orlando Pace on the other. Pace is also a new starter, but the combined experience that he and Kreutz bring should help smooth Omiyale’s transition, and he has the size and strength to make the running game go, as he demonstrated last week on Forte’s 32-yard TD run.
The depth chart at wide receiver is completely in flux with only starters Devin Hester and Earl Bennett set in stone. All the others have had their moments in camp but no one has shown consistent productivity when the lights come on.
The Bears know what they have in Rashied Davis, a technically sound veteran capable of playing the slot and working underneath. But Davis lacks size and needs to be a more consistent catcher.
Brandon Rideau has gotten more time with the first team since the start of training camp. If Rideau shows more consistency and proves he can be dependable, he could lock up the No. 3 spot. Devin Aromashodu is also still in the mix, and last week’s 38-yard reception was the kind of impact play Jay Cutler loves. That doesn’t leave much of a role for rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox unless they step up soon.
BOB..the Broncos seem a little bit in disaray, not only at QB but getting the whole program together under their new coach. That being said I expect the Bears to pound the Broncos tonight in what should be a laugher. But what if that doesn't happen, what if it's a big night for Orton and Cutler is awful and it's the Broncos who kill the Bears, what would it say about the Bears and where they are as a team as we get closer to the opener in cheeseland.
"The Bears know what they have in Rashied Davis, a technically sound veteran capable of playing the slot and working underneath. But Davis lacks size and needs to be a more consistent catcher."
Rewrite --
The Bears know what they have in Rashied Davis, a receiver capable of running a paper route this fall or playing the slot in Soldier Field. But Davis is a shrimp and can't catch the ball on Sunday's with the camera's rolling. He's a longshot at best though Lovie has the final say.
Your right.
This one matters for individual performances.
As far as the final score. The game means nothing.
The 85 Super Bowl Bears lost their 3rd preseason game 13-15 to the Cowboys.