Inching Towards The Black Hole: Bears News And Notes
By Rob Winn in News on Aug 22, 2013 7:20PM
The Bears head to Oakland to play their third and most important preseason game Friday against the Raiders. A string of productive plays by the offense in the preseason game against the Chargers have quieted the naysayers for now. But the starters will most likely play into the third quarter Friday, giving us a look as to how they're progressing with the regular season fast approaching.
Fining a form tackle
John Bostic was fined $21,000 Tuesday for his spectacular hit during the game last Thursday against the San Diego Chargers. ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer described the hit as a "form tackle." The NFL even featured video of the hit on their website up until the fine was levied. Bostic will likely get the fine reduced after an appeal—he earns $23,000 per game—but that is beside the point.
The rookie has shown flashes of brilliance while filling in for injured linebacker D.J. Williams during the preseason. After an interception returned for a touchdown and an eye-popping hit, Bostic may find himself as the starting middle linebacker before too long. He is still a rookie, but if he continues playing well during the regular season, the Bears may be forced to turn over the reins.
Zeroing in on Marshall
Much was made of Jay Cutler targeting only Brandon Marshall against the Chargers. All-in-all he completed four passes, throwing for a touchdown and an interception. Five passes is hardly a large sample size, and at the end of the day the number one wide receiver should get the majority of the looks. Cutler rightfully scoffed at the criticism saying, "I mean you guys are hitting the panic button after two preseason games and 30 plays. Yeah, we're gonna spread it around."
When the first team plays into the third quarter Friday, the Bears will try to fine-tune the offense in preparation for the season opener. This will open a window into what the offense will really look like when they take the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8. Whether that's good, bad or mediocre is anyone's guess. At least the 9 p.m. Friday night kickoff will provide quality drunken overreacting.
Injury updates
Defensive end Julius Peppers will most likely play Friday against the Raiders, which will be his first preseason game of the year. He has participated in practice throughout training camp but sat out the first two preseason games.
According to the Bears Henry Melton and Earl Bennett are recovering from concussions and improving. However, neither have returned to the practice field and will not play Friday. Whether they will be ready to start the season depends on their ability to pass the NFL's concussion protocol and begin practicing. Any time missed by Melton is a blow to their already thin defensive line. The Bears used the franchise tag to keep him in the off season and are expecting big contributions. Meanwhile the lingering injury to Bennett has opened up competition for the third wide receiver role.