Morning Box Score: Bills Beat Bears 27-20

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 16, 2009 4:15PM

Even though football means the waning days of summer are upon us, we can't help but get excited to see our beloved Bears take the field once again. Especially when there is a major new addition to check out. On Saturday night, they suited up for the first time in '09 to knock pads with the Buffalo Bills and, more importantly, Jay Cutler made his Bears debut. The final score was 27-20, but, like all preseason games, it's pretty irrelevant as teams try to knock the rust off the veterans, players with the slightest of dings sit out, and new players try to make the regular season roster.

As we mentioned, the biggest storyline was our first chance to watch Jay Cutler play as a member of the Bears. In just over a quarter of work, he completed 5 of 10 passes for 64 yards and threw one interception. His night was mediocre at best, but we'll hold back our concern for now. After all, it was his first time in a game situation with the rest of the offense, and he was missing Matt Forte and Greg Olsen -- who both will be major factors in the offense. Some passes were sloppy, but we saw glimpses of what a true QB can do. We are more concerned with who backs up Cutler. Caleb Hanie looked sharp whil Brett Bazanez completed as many passes to the Bills as to his own team, but neither's taken so much as a single snap in a regular season NFL game.

The defense may also be a source of concern -- especially the secondary. Buffalo quarterbacks competed 29 of 34 passes on the night even without Terrell Owens, who sat out with a toe sprain. Nathan Vasher's timing looked off, Trumaine McBride couldn't tackle and the musical chairs at safety aren't helping matters.

The Bears next tune-up is next Saturday, when they make their 2009 home debut against the New York Giants at Soldier Field.