Bears Third Preseason Game Raises More Questions Than Answers

By Rob Winn in News on Aug 25, 2012 4:00PM

Last night the Bears defeated the Giants 20-17 and as the experts say, this was the only preseason game that matters, so we won't bore you with the competition for the second-string gunner spot. Lets get down to brass tacks, shall we?

Offense

Everyone's eyes were fixated on the Bears offensive line from the first snap of the ball. Unfortunately nothing from the line quelled the uneasy feelings around Halas Hall. J'Marcus Webb missed several blocks and when Chris Williams came in, it was even worse. The most troubling problem facing the Bears? Not only couldn't the line pass block, but they had trouble run blocking as well. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice has his work cut out for him, Webb seems more interested in trying to develop an Internet persona than actually doing his job and Williams just flat-out isn't good.

When he had time to throw, Cutler showed a strong preference for Brandon Marshall. He targeted Marshall on a majority of the pass plays and the chemistry between Marshall and Cutler was obvious.

Defense

The Bears defense was out on the field for a long time yesterday and their age began to show, yet they were able to keep the game in control. The most comforting fact was that safety Craig Steltz moved in and easily handled the work without leaving the team exposed. Linebackers Nick Roach and Blake Costanzo both had strong games, but replacing Brian Urlacher is easier said than done. Let's hope Urlacher will be on the field for more games than not this year.

Side Notes

During the Giants vs. Bears preseason game, the NFL displayed a new tactic to reduce the worry about the damaging nature of football. The campaign is called “USA Football, a new approach to a better, safer game.” This is sadly amusing considering the current referee strike and the confusion involved with helmet-to-helmet calls amongst replacement referees. To go cheap and refuse to pay the only officials that can do the job is utterly absurd and a risk to players' health.