Granted like all Bears fans I am thrilled (' ') to see our “Monsters of The Midway†out on the field for another season of football. But….This is the pre-season, as the explanation for the poor playing of the Bears will only last for 3 more weeks. (' ') I think we are very fortunate to have the Bills as our first preseason game because for the Bills this is their second preseason game & as such I would have higher exceptions regarding there performance in game time situations. They [the Bills] provided an excellent foil for the Bears to sharpen there skills on. While we where hoping for a great outing by our beloved Bears, unfortunately during the coarse of the game multiple issues where pointed out in the Bears Offensive & Defensive play calling. On the Offensive side: 1 What is our identity: are we a team that runs to set up the pass or are we a team that passes to set-up the run. Pass plays: 32 Rushing plays: 17 Almost a 2-1 ratio on passing plays to rushing plays. 2 The O-line: On passing plays we need to give the QB enough time to read the field before the pocket breaks down. On running plays we need to open up the holes for the RB to go thru. 3 The WRs: Was it on purpose that 60% of the passes where thrown to Hester? Based on Hester’s performance in this Game I can see why so many annalists call him a #2 type WR & not a #1 WR. On that Jump ball a true #1 would have jumped & fought for that pass or at least try to keep the defender from catching the ball. His pass route running was not stellar but average. 3 The other WR also need to step up & catch the ball when it hits them in the hands. 4 The QBs: They need to mix up more who the ball is going to & stop telegraphing the passes. 5 Total Offensive: 225 net yards. On the Defensive side: 1 Where is the pressure from up the middle? We need to stuff the run & get pressure on the QB during pass plays.We gave them way too much time on the passing game. Also most of their rushing yards came from running up the middle. Total offensive for the Bills: 375 net yards. 2 Tackling: When you are the first guy to the ball carrier you have to wrap him let the second & third guy worry about stripping the ball out of the runner’s hands. 3 Pass coverage: we are still allowing teams to make those short passes across the middle. I was hoping that with Lovie calling the plays that would change but after seeing this game I wonder. Now granted these are just some of the items I have noticed during this game. I am sure I missed a few items or even over stated some issues. But please don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled we got Cutler, & truly believe he is an upgrade to the QB position. I really like Hester and want to see him develop into a true #1 WR. Plus, I still think this team can take us all the way to the Super Bowl. (' ')
