Well the preseason is over for the Chicago Bears, and it's now time to get down to evaluating the players to make final roster decisions by this weekend.
After last night's game against the Cleveland Browns, Lovie Smith, Bob Babich, and company are probably glad that it's time to get down to business.
There have been some positives from the preseason so far. There were no significant injuries to report regarding starters, Matt Forte showed that he may be able to carry the load—with a little help from the other Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe—and the quarterback job has been settled...for now.
The young wide receivers have been competitive, and that's all you can ask for.
Now for the negatives. The offense has looked dull so far. The offensive line play is something to be concerned about. Left tackle is one position that caught my eye as needing rapid improvement, otherwise Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman should see if their agents can get a mid-season endorsement from Advil, Tylenol, etc., as they will incur total body aches.
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The defense, though it played a watered down scheme, is also an area to be concerned about. The preseason is a time to perfect the base package of the defensive scheme (Cover 2) but the Bears have somehow seemed to look like they don't know how to run the scheme effectively.
I know Babich isn't going to show any of his cards, but one would think that he and Lovie are concerned right now.
With the season just a week away, their is still a lot of work to be done until then. Fine tuning the team and making adjustments is hopefully what this week will be all about, as Payton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts loom on the horizon—and you know they won't be holding back anything.
The red zone defense was one area that I thought could use some improving, as the closer teams got to the end zone the worse the team seemed to play. Brian Urlacher has looked a step slower this year, but I'll reserve final judgement until a few weeks have passed.
The defensive line has looked like the best unit on defense in my opinion. This unit may be the strength of the team, as they have multiple bodies that can inflict pain on opposing teams' quarterbacks. One player to watch is Israel Idonije, he seems to be getting off the ball and getting up field quickly. He will be a force to reckon with on pass rushing downs in the Bears' speed package.
Looking at all the games objectively, I predict that the Bears will go 8-8, or 9-7 should a leprechaun catch a pass and take it to the house during the fourth quarter of a crucial game.
I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this is a successful campaign for the team, as Lovie may be looking for a new place of employment if it isn't.
My finger is on the panic button, but I haven't pushed it just yet. Hopefully it doesn't get pressed this season, as Lovie guides the team to the playoffs.
Let's hope for the best.
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2 months ago
Great article, 5 stars. Think the D will be alright, heard they didn't want to show their hand in preseason and Babich better get it together or he's done. He along with Turner are on the hotseat according to Fox and probably in their last seasons in Chicago.
from 2 months ago
Thanks SM for checking the article out. Yeah, I agree that the D should be OK come game time. The one area I worried about was red zone defense. Turner, that freakin guy, should have already been gone. He's living off of the super bowl year. His play calling has been crappy going back to the U of I days and fans like myself have had about enough of mediocrity. Papa Bear would be ashamed of Turner and his lackluster offensive abilities.
from 2 months ago
Thanks, An'dre. I'm hard on Babich, since I loved Riviera and wish they kept him. I just don't understand why Turner still has a job and your probably right with the Super Bowl appearance.
2 months ago
Good Work An'dre Keep it up.
2 months ago
Nice job An'dre. An 8-8 record sounds pretty optimistic right now, especially after we just cut our former 2nd and 3rd round draft picks. I am also worried about left tackle John St. Clair and his two straight false starts last night. One thing is for sure: this will be one interesting season.
from 2 months ago
Yeah, 8-8 does sound optimistic, I must admit but the glass is always half full for me. John St. Clair is a HUGE area of concern. I thought the same thing regarding the false starts. It looks like the blitzers will come from his side should a DE play a 7 technique and leave room for a safety, linebacker, or anyone else who cares to crush the QB to come through. Once again Sam, appreciate your taking the time to read the article.
2 months ago
"Looking at all the games objectively, I predict that the Bears will go 8-8, or 9-7 should a leprechaun catch a pass and take it to the house during the fourth quarter of a crucial game."
Couldn't agree more. Pretty much said the same thing in my preview.
from 2 months ago
The Lucky Charms leprechaun was seen at this years combine doing 21 reps on the bench, had a vertical leap of 38", and killed it when working with his position coaches! The guys a beast so he could be a difference maker! Thanks for reading Sean.
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