Morning Box Score: Giants Beat Bears 41-13

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 23, 2011 3:40PM

In the Bears last visit to New Meadowlands Stadium, Jay Cutler endured nine sacks by the New York Giants in the first half before a concussion forced him from the game. Last night's performance? Even though last night's contest with the Giants was a preseason game, Cutler was only sacked once, which is a call for celebration. Other than that, the Bears didn't look so hot as the Giants beat them 41-13.

Playing the entire first half, Cutler performed fine by completing 12 of 21 passes for 171 yards without a turnover. The one sack was on a play in which he could have thrown away the ball, as the line generally provided decent pass protection. Receivers dropped a number of passes, especially veterans like Roy Williams.

Once again, the running game couldn't establish itself as the corp of backs managed just 81 yards on the ground in 26 carries. Marion Barber led the way with 49 yards on 13 rushes as he continues to make a case for leaping over Chester Taylor on the depth chart. Most concerning was that the Bears again had trouble finding the end zone, with three trips in the red zone with just two field goals to show for it.

The defense was cause for concern as they had trouble stopping the Giants running game, and the secondary showed they need to work some more on tackling. Special teams, normally a strength for the Bears, was another concern. The first team coverage unit allowed a number of longer returns including a 73-yard kickoff return, and new punter Greg Jones had a punt blocked just before halftime. That set up a quick touchdown for the Giants and a 20-6 lead at intermission.

In the second half, the Giants added to their advantage with three more touchdowns before the Bears finally found the end zone in the game's final minute. Sure, many of the guys playing during the second half are not likely to even make the team but the same can be said for the Giants. Perhaps we should be concerned about the Bears depth.

Exhibition game three will be Saturday, when the Bears travel to Nashville to face the Titans. (7 p.m., WFLD channel 32, WBBM 780AM)