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Your starting left tackle?
Well, with one preseason game in the books we have a slightly better idea of how this season is going to look. After the 24-20 loss some questions seem to be getting answered but others loom even larger than ever before. So let’s take a moment and do a quick overview:
The QB Derby: Neither Orton (7/10, 56 yds) or Rex (4/8, 44 yds, TD) were particularly impressive in their debuts. Orton fumbled while attempting to scramble, Rex was tripped while dropping back to pass, and neither moved the offense well. It says a lot that rookie undrafted free agent Caleb Hanie was by far the most impressive QB against the Chiefs.
RB Committee: We got our first look at Matt Forte and it was solid if not spectacular. He showed solid vision, good hands, but just wasn’t given much room to run. Garrett Wolfe did everything he could in fighting for a roster spot with a 42-yd run and also scampering for a 25-yd TD reception off a screen pass from Rex. He looked like the ideal 3rd-down back. However, Kevin Jones has been cleared to practice this week and his potential as a starter, coupled with Forte’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, could still leave Wolfe out of a job even with the impressive showing.
Ohhhh! Line: This is where things came apart for the Bears last year and prospects aren’t looking much better. Chris Williams is now out for half the season after having surgery for a herniated disc, and the Bears are now so desperate for depth they are considering bring back turnstile Fred Miller. On a positive note John St. Clair looked serviceable and I was extremely encouraged by the effort of 2nd-yr LG Josh Beekman. But this “solid” performance was against a D-line without a single difference maker, so it’s safe to say this is still a work in progress.
The D: The first unit struggled to get off the field during KC’s first drive but followed that up with three consecutive 3 and outs. Overall they looked pretty solid and it was good to see Mike Brown back on the field. The biggest questions left for this unit is whether or not Brandon McGowan can hold down the job at SS and who’s going to start next to Tommie Harris. If healthy they should be back to being a top 5 unit, that’s if the offense could ever stay on the field.
Hands Up: By far and away the most disappointing group against the Chiefs was the Bear’s wide receivers. Rookie’s Earl Bennett and Marcus Monk both made huge drops on the final drive. No WR caught more than one pass and Devin Hester, who needs more work than anyone, barely got on the field. Brandon Lloyd caught a nice pass from Grossman and then disappeared. And there was even a drop from the ultra-reliable Marty Booker. I’d say odds are right now a TE is going to lead this team in receptions if not yards as well.
For more info: please visit BEARSCAST.com
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