Defense
- Once again the defensive starters were simply a step too slow all over the field. We can only hope that the players will be able to play faster with time spent in the defensive scheme.
- The defensive line was blown off the line of scrimmage too often, especially late in the first half. With second round rookie Eddie Goldman out with a concussion, Will Sutton may have stepped up enough to earn some playing time when Jeremiah Ratliff is absent to start the season. Jared Allen played reasonably well with discipline and with some good tackling. Generally speaking, though, the Bears simply have to play better in the front seven or its going to be a miserable year.
Offense
- I thought the Bears ran the ball reasonably well, especially considering that their top four wide receivers were out and the whole stadium knew they were going to have to grind it out on the ground. But the Bears committed five penalties for 62 yards in the first half. Not all of that was on the offense but it was enough. You simply can’t run the ball when you commit that many penalties. You put the offense into a hole that they can only pass their way out of. The Bears will have to clean that up.
- Once again, the Bears went to the no huddle in order to establish some momentum on offense. It didn’t really work but if they manage to establish that running game they might wear some people down this season.
- It was notable that quarterback Jay Cutler was throwing the ball away when nothing was there. He’s been taking care of the ball and he isn’t forcing anything. Jimmy Clausen has convinced me that the offense won’t do a face plant if Cutler gets hurt.
- I can’t really say that any of the young wide receivers took advantage of the absence of Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, and Marquess Wilson to really step up. It not that they were generally terrible but I didn’t think anyone really distinguished themselves. Martellus Bennett was solid.
- The offensive line was fine in general but Charles Leno had another rough night. He gave up a sack and had a penalty. Two weeks before the opener and the Bears still don’t have a right tackle.
- Jeremy Langford was solid once again. He’s got a knack for making yards on his own out of nothing.
Miscellaneous
- Special teams have been solid and a bright spot this preseason.
- There were too many penalties on both sides in the first half. But it ws nothing compared to the second half when the backups were in. The half seemed to take forever.