|
Quarterback
1. Rex Grossman - Grossman was all over the place. He came out on fire, making good decisions and having that lights out throw while rolling out of the pocket and throwing against his body. It was frozen rope about 25 yards down field splitting defenders and as a pass, was an A+. Mostly, Rex was solid in his throws, but he had his issues as we saw. First of all, while standing in the pocket, Rex's first fumble was not really his fault. Rex felt the pocket close in around him and stepped up in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield like he is supposed to do. From behind, Fred Miller was beaten and Rex had the ball slapped out of his hand. Turnover = stalled drive. Those kind of turnovers are going to happen. We have to live with them and the blame goes to Miller. The second turnover was an interception that Rex tried to force into a crossing Rashied Davis at about 15 yards downfield. 15 yard interceptions are for rookies. Rex has got to know better than this. These kind of decisions will kill us all year. On his second fumble, luckily not a turnover, Rex fumbled the snap from Olin Kruetz practically in his own endzone. That's like handing your opponent 7 points if you turn it over. No excuse. Rex has been working with Kreutz for 5 years and this game was in a Dome. Later in the game, this time going into the endzone, Rex almost cost us six points by fumbling another snap (you shouldn't have two of these in a year, let alone in a game) and luckily had Olin recover in the end zone. Ultimately, Rex would plunge in from a yard out for a TD, but I don't care about that. I care about those critical mistakes that we see, but the National Media will magnify by 100 and completely disintegrate this kid's confidence again. He has to protect the ball, if nothing else, and he just didn't do that yesterday.
2. Brian Griese - This game went a long way to locking down Griese as the Bears #2 QB this year, barring a trade (we'll talk about later). Brian was on the money. He was sharp, looked great in the pocket, and was precise with his throws. So far this preseason, he's had one horrible throw. His deep route, just short of the goal line was underthrown to an open receiver, but they still scored later. Overall, Griese had as good a day as any, leading the Bears up and down the field, seemingly at will.
3. Kyle Orton - Orton contines to look good this preseason. I'm still a bit skeptical, but after three years in the league, Kyle may be coming along. He has the size and arm strength, if he can just learn to read defenses, knows his offense, and knows where to go with the ball. The worst parts of his day came from breakdowns in his protection, which working with a 3rd unit O-line will do to you. Another solid outing for Orton.
4. Chris Leak - Leak is not going to make this team unless one of these QB's is traded. Adam Schefter said that he would be shocked if the Falcons were not calling Jerry Angelo about trying to acquire Griese or Orton this offseason and what it would take to do just that. With Orton stepping up and Griese contract being what it was, I'd be shocked if it was Orton that had a chance to be on the move. I doubt this goes anywhere, but it is something to keep an eye on.
Running Back
1. Cedric Benson - Benson was not the same as he was in Week 1 of the preseason. He was consistently going down on first contact, trying to bounce quite a bit outside when it wasn't there, and sometimes looking disinterested. He had several nice runs, but ultimately, as a body of work, this week was average at best. Average isn't going to do it for our top 5 RB prospect on a running football team. Benson is averaging just 3 yards a carry in the preseason and that has to be causing some minor concern for the coaching staff. It is only the preseason and hopefully, Benson is just shaking off the rust. I still believe that if he stays healthy, we're looking at a 1200 to a 1300 yard back.
2. Adrian Peterson - Peterson was poor again this week. He did get the TD, but 5 carries for 8 yards is not looking that great. Peterson is now averaging about 1.6 yards/carry in the preseason, which is a far cry from his 4.7 he averages for his career. So far, Peterson has looked atrocious and the Bears have got to wonder if he's capable of handling this job full time. He did have a couple of nice catches out of the backfield and looks solid as a receiver in the open field.
3. Garrett Wolfe - Wolfe is every bit what you thought he'd be. He is tiny, but elusive. He is fast and explosive, but not capable of breaking too many tackles. If you get a hand on him, he's probably going down. But you have to get a hand on him first. Wolfe broke the longest run for the Bears this week on a 14 yard scamper, but also caught a swing pass for 11 yards. 9 touches for 39 yards isn't too bad for a 3rd down back. Most of his negative carries, he was getting hit in the backfield thanks to our poor backup offensive line. Wolfe has a long way to go, but there is promise behind him if he's used right.
4. Josh Allen - He will not make this team.
Wide Receiver
1. Muhsin Muhammad - I can't remember seeing Muhammad on the field, but I think I did. Either way, he was without a catch. Nobody really cares because based on his great snag last week, we know Muhammad's still got the hands. The question is whether or not he's still got the speed and agility to get seperation. I think he does. At least for one more year. Without a paycut, I think this is his last in Bear's uniform.
2. Bernard Berrian - This guy is definitely on the verge of breaking out this year. Berrian finished with 4 catches, 49 yards, and a touchdown, in about a quarter and a half of work. That translates into a 10 catch, 125 yard, 2 TD outing. I'll take those any day. He is fleet of foot, tough to catch, and knows where he needs to be on the field to create throwing lanes, which is key. He has an awareness about him that he didn't have in previous seasons. So far, through the preseason, Berrian has 5 catches, 59 yards, and a touchdown. He looks great.
3. Mark Bradley - Bradley was held out of this one and is still having nagging trouble with that knee. That is not a good sign. Mark is a capable receiver with solid hands and a lot of potential, but if he can't stay on the field, he won't be a Bear after this year. He has to prove he can stay on the field.
4. Devin Hester - Hester showed flashes again this week. Everyone in the world saw that bubble screen coming, so using him as a decoy or as a setup for something better wouldn't been a better idea. Perhaps they are setting up film for the regular season against San Diego, but that was telegraphed all day long. His other reception, a 13 yarder on an in route across the middle was a great catch and he showed a nice ability to get under tacklers and get up field for a couple more yards. Overall, solid performance. His punt return shows that you better not kick it at this guy this year or you're setting the Bears up for great field position at the very least, and 7 more points and a loss of momentum at the very worst.
5. Rashied Davis - Davis has disappeared in games this year. He has just 2 catches this preseason for 6 combined yards. He has not looked explosive, is not running crisp routes, and has not showed an ability to stretch the field. Davis concerns me as a flash-in-the-pan player that has seen his day come and go. I hope he proves me wrong, but right now, he isn't, despite plenty of playing time this preseason and some pretty productive QB's throwing the ball all over the field.
6. Mike Hass - Hass is a fan favorite and a Biletnikoff award winner for the best WR in the nation. Hass was a walk on at Oregon State and frankly, has some the best hands the Bears coaches have ever seen. In practice, he drops nothing. He didn't have a pass thrown his way in week one, but this week, he caught a well thrown Kyle Orton pass between defenders, juggling it while going to the ground and hanging on. A great catch for Hass. This guy is the favorite to make the team if they keep 6 this year, and finished with 2 catches for 48 yards, both over 20 yards.
7. Brandon Rideau - Rideau played OK. He caught a couple of nice balls and showed the ability to find openings so that his QB's could get him the ball. The problem was that he was only catching them half the time, twice negating substantial gains with drops. They were challenging catches, but still catchable balls for an NFL receiver (especially one trying to catch on with a squad). Rideau may be destined for the practice squad as a raw talent.
Tight Ends
1. Desmond Clark - Clark has been unspectacular this preseason, but that doesn't make a whole lot of difference. He will be a crucial component of the Bears offense this year.
2. Greg Olsen - Olsen has looked solid. He generally catches what is thrown his way, is getting open against 1st and 2nd unit defenses, and has shown versatility in getting up field after the catch. Expect Olsen to get plenty of PT this year.
3. John Gilmore - Gilmore has been surprising this offseason. He is the 3rd TE and has looked as good, if not better than the other two. Gilmore has been an outstanding blocker, as usual, but has been catching passes all over the field. He appears to have improved his hands and route running in the offseason, which makes him an outstanding all-around TE.
Offensive Line
1. At the Tackle spots, the Bears should be fairly solid. John Tait should be outstanding again on the left side covering Rex's blind side, but Fred Miller is creating some major cause for concern. Miller has been consistently beat all preseason, resulting in sacks and turnovers. That right side of the line cannot continue to collapse like it has been. John St. Clair is a below average backup and the Bears have a huge gaping hole in terms of depth behind the starters here.
2. At Guard, Rueben Brown should have one last hurrah of a solid season. Even if he's average, he should be fine. He plays with a mean streak and is typically healthy. On the other side is our utility player, Roberto Garza, who can double as a backup Center and will start at Guard. The tandem are solid veterans who should not pose much of a problem. If there is an injury to either of these two, we are solid. Josh Beekman looks like he could beat out Terrance Metcalf as the backup Guard at some point this season. Beekman was a steal in the draft and has the raw potential (and attitude) to be one of the better drive blocking guards in this league. Metcalf is a seasoned veteran who is average at best, but still has starting experience inside.
3. Our Center is the best in the league and a future Hall of Famer. He is a rock and can easily make up for weakness around him. Resigning Kruetz over Tony Parrish is one of the best moves the Bears have made over the years, but a move that is often forgotten. Oakley appears to be a quality backup Center, but will the Bears have a roster spot for him?
Defensive Ends
1. Adawale Ogunleye - Ogunleye didn't play last week, but in his limited action this week, he was outstanding. Ogunleye was constantly penetrating into the backfield and finished with four tackles and a sack. On the sack, he pulled a 6'5", 240 lb. Peyton Manning down with one hand by his jersey. Ogunleye has to be feeling the pressure with Alex Brown more likely to take his spot than Anderson's on the other side, but many reports. If he plays like that, we'll be fine this year on that side.
2. Mark Anderson - Anderson has seen some quality PT himself. While he's yet to get to the QB, he has flashed his impressive speed, dragging down the running back on the other side of the field twice last week. He was limited this week, despite working againt a rookie, and several times, found himself off balance, allowing Ugoh to just fall on him and neutralize him. On his best play this week, Anderson came all the way around the edge and launched himself at Manning from behind. Manning delivered a 25 yard strike before being hammered from behind by Anderson. 1/4 second quicker and we're looking at a turnover.
3. Alex Brown - Brown did not play yesterday and has been limited in the preseason. By all accounts, despite being disgruntled in camp, he has looked very good. Several teams have inquired about his services, but Brown's asking price has proven too much. No word on what that might be.
4. Israel Idonije - Idonije has looked pretty good this preseason. He has a 1/2 sack in both games and has shown a good combination of power and speed when rushing the passer. He will be used inside and out this year.
5. Dan Bazuin - Redshirt him.
Defensive Tackles
1. Tommie Harris - Harris is probably the best DT in the NFL when healthy. He is rightfully being held out to prevent any kind of reaggravation of that hip, but by all accounts is as healthy and as explosive as he has ever been.
2. Darwin Walker - Walker still seems to be learning the system. I'm more interested in how he performs in the next two preseason games.
3. Dusty Dvoracek - Dusty is all over the place. He's right in the middle of every goal line stand and he's always fired up. So far, you have to like what you've seen out of this kid. He looks intense, explosive, and seems to be digesting the system pretty quick, now in his second season. He plays with great leverage and confidence.
4. Anthony Adams - Adams has been slightly unimpressive so far. He makes a nice play from time to time, but for the most part, has to be behind those top 3.
5. Antonion Garay - Garay is a solid backup. I expect him to make the team and provide the Bears with a ton of depth inside.
Linebackers
1. Brian Urlacher - Urlacher has played sparingly this preseason, and rightfully so. He has nothing to prove and we are trying to get reps to our young guys who will need to provide depth this year and replace Briggs next year. Urlacher is the best overall LB in the NFL, Shawne Merriman included. He will be a strong candidate for defensive MVP again.
2. Lance Briggs - Briggs has seen limited action this preseason, as well, but he has looked a bit rusty when he was in there. Clearly, he has not lost any of his speed or his ability to recover. And clearly, he can hit just as hard as ever. But a couple times, he's been out of position and the net result was bigger gains than should've been realized.
3. Hunter Hillenmeyer - Hunter is solid. He plays to the whistle and he does it quietly, in the shadow of Briggs and Urlacher. Hillenmeyer is just thrilled to be on the field and you can see it when he's in the game.
4. Jamar Williams - Say what you want about Williams, but it is clear to me why the Bears had all of the leverage with Briggs. Jamar seems to get better every week. He is all over the field, making passes, throwing blocks, taking on lead blockers, etc. He is developing nicely and should be an adequate replacement for Briggs next year.
5. Michael Okwo - Okwo has seen limited playing time, but has been fairly unimpressive when he's in there. Most of the time, you don' t know where he is or what he's doing. I'm sure its just a rookie being a rookie, but Okwo needs to contribute on special teams this year.
6. Brendan Ayanbedajo - Outstanding special teamer. Arguably the best in the league.
Safety
1. Mike Brown - With Brown, its all a question of health. Can he stay on the field, or not. The Bears are using him sparingly in the preseason so far to try and keep him fresh for as many regular season games as possible. The shift to FS should be crucial to keeping him on his feet.
2. Adam Archuleta - Adam looks comfortable in the system. He's always around the ball, even though he's not always making the tackle. The rumor is that there are specific packages designed for Archuleta tha we will not see until the preseason.
3. Danieal Manning - Manning is playing OK. He has a way to go to become a very productive player, but I'd feel better than last year if we need him in a pinch. Manning is very fast, as proven by his impressive kickoff return yesterday. He can get where he's going in a flash. He just needs to make sure he's not out of position and therefore a target to be picked on in coverage.
4. Kevin Payne - I think Payne has to have moved ahead of McGowan. Payne is everywhere. I love this guy. He is constantly looking for someone to knock out. He is colliding with blockers, running backs, etc. and I've even seen him accidentally level his own teammate twice. While we don't need that, we do need a guy with that kind of fire, and his speed makes him incredibly versatile in what we do. Payne had a pick yesterday and could be a quality player on special teams this year.
5. Brandon McGowan - McGowan has seen plenty of playing time and he's proven in that time that he is not afraid to get his nose in there and make a tackle. Unfortunately, that can often lead to injuries for him and it has done just that. McGowan has to stay healthy and he could be a pretty good player for the Bears.
Cornerbacks
I'm getting tired, so I'm shortening this up.
Our CB's look good. They can't matchup up well with speed receivers and without a pass rush, we could have a problem. Overall, they are what we thought they were (to steal from Denny Green). They are quality all around CB's that solid tackling ability, decent coverage skills, and the ability to make plays and force turnovers.
Manning Jr. is still the best Nickel back in the game.
Our two rookies both look like quality CB's and should both make the team.
I'm spent...
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
