Well the BEARS have now completed pre-season game number 3 with a victory over the Denver Broncos. As always it must be noted that pre-season success or failure does not equal or guarantee regular season success or failure. That being said there is still much that can be learned from these games. I was a little concerned with how the First team Offence & Defense a little while to get settled. It was however very nice to see the offence during that big 15 play 98 yard scoring drive. Also I agree with Lovie going to Denver to play this game was a good warm-up for Cutler with regards to the yelling & crowd hatred he will receive when the Bears open the season against the Packers. I think Cutler did a great job of keeping his cool and playing a smart game. I was a little disappointed with the first touchdown the Broncos got at the beginning of the third quarter because will still had our First team defense in the game while the Denver offence was being run by the third team QB. Now if you look at the total game states there where more rushing plays than passing plays. Yet if we look at the first half of the game only there where more passing plays than running plays, this being said I was not upset with this offset because there will be games down the road where we will need to look to the passing game to get the running game going. I really like some of the things we got to see from the first team offence including the FB pass attempt by Forte (Kind of reminded me of another Bears running back called Sweetness…LOL I know still to early to fully compare him to Payton but the kid’s [Forte] does have a lot of talent). It was nice to see some production from the 2nd & 3rd string offence during the second half of the game. I think Knox should some good signs for being considered for the 53 man roster. I also think that our AP showed some great production as the 3rd RB & it will be a tuff decision on keeping or releasing him. I hope they can keep him [AP] & Wolfe. As for the Defense as noted by Collinsworth the Line backers where really playing close to the line and giving away a lot of the mid-field passes. Also the Defensive backs still need a lot of work if not for the pressure up front Denver could have caused more issues. Here are some of my major grips & observations: 1. They still need to work on their tackling, to many missed or arm tackles. 2. Way to many penalties I know this is pre-season and it was only 7 (for 53 yards) but that is still way too many. 3. The Penalty that was called on A. Brown, Roughing the Passer, in the third quarter. That was a stupid call if they are going to protect the QB’s that much they might as well put a red jersey on them along with a set of flags and not allow any contact. 4. The O-line still needs to open bigger holes for the RBs. The pass blocking was pretty good but we have got to give Cutler as much time as possible. All in all I was pleased with the Bears total performance & hope they will continue to build and learn from the events of each game. As always the items I have mentioned here are just some of the items I have noticed during this game. I am sure I have missed a few items or even over stated some issues, and I look forward to reading your comments & observation of the Bears performance. GO BEARS.
