Bears Complete Preseason 0-4
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 3, 2010 2:30PM
The Bears wrapped up their preseason in Cleveland last night, losing 13-10 when the Browns kicked a field goal as time expired. With the loss, the Bears completed an 0-4 exhibition season -- their first winless preseason since 1998 (they finished the regular season 4-12 that year).
Last night's game was more about giving guys a chance to compete for a spot on the team's 53-man roster, which must be set by 5 p.m. Saturday. The starting defense was promised they'd take the field for one possession, which meant their night ended after a lone play -- Cleveland's rookie QB Colt McCoy fumbled the snap, the Bears recovered and the first team was finished for the night. On the offensive side of the ball, Jay Cutler got the night off in favor of Todd Collins, who demonstrated he's a quick study. Signed just ten days ago, Collins went 10 of 15 for 139 yards and a touchdown pass to Greg Olsen -- looks like the Bears found their veteran reserve QB. Many of the other starters, like Matt Forte and Olin Kreutz got the night off, too.
Some guys fighting to make the team stepped up and seem to have solidified their chances. Wideout Rashied Davis seems to have ensured he'll return after leading the team with 65 receiving yards on three catches, while Garret Wolfe must hold his breath while waiting to see whether the Bears choose him or Kahlil Bell. Others, like defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, receiver Juaquin Iglesias and safety Al Afalava might be without a job come Saturday.
Should Bears fans be worried about this 0-4 exhibition season? The Bears' 46 points scored was second lowest in the league. Yet Cutler insisted, "We're not really throwing everything we have at teams. When this stuff gets rolling Mike (Martz) is really going to be on fire." We're not sure we buy that -- why would a team with an entirely new offensive scheme not take the opportunity to practice it in actual game situations during the preseason?
General manager Jerry Angelo also suggested the team held back during the exhibitions:
I've seen teams go 0-4 and have great seasons, and I've seen teams go 4-0 and have bad seasons. Let's not overrate it. It's important, yes, but the season is when you get the real identity of your team and we feel good about that. We'll just see when we play Detroit.
The Bears regular season opens with the NFC Central rival Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on September 12 at noon (TV: Fox-32, Radio: WBBM 780AM).