Bears Win Final Tune-up, Finish Preseason 2-2

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 1, 2006 5:02PM

Chicagoist knows better than to read too much into the preseason games. The starters play only a couple of possessions and don't suit up at all if nursing even minor injuries. The guys getting the bulk of the plays are those just looking to make the roster. So we take whatever happens with more than a grain of salt.

Nonetheless, we certainly do prefer to see the Bears win, even when it is meaningless. They did just that last night, beating the Browns 20-7 in Cleveland. And we were more than a little relieved to see Rex Grossman and the first-team offense score 10 points in their first two possessions. Not that we still don't think Griese is the best option at QB. After all, Grossman's TD drive was all of 20 yards following a 54-yard punt return.

The running game was again a mixed affair. Cedric Benson has yet to suit up. Thomas Jones, penciled in as the starting running back, looked mediocre yet again. But backups PJ Pope and Adrian Peterson both looked good. Peterson ran for 43 yards on 9 carries, while Pope carried 15 times for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Next time the Bears take the field, it counts! The Bears open up on September 10 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, against the Packers.