Bears Shocked by Bolts in Preseason Opener

There isn’t much to say about the Chicago Bears’ 25-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers in their preseason opener. Most of the starting offense played no more than two series, the offense was going up against a 3-4 defensive scheme that they didn’t even practice against in training camp, and this was the first time the defense actually tackled people since the 2009 regular season (something that they don’t do in training camp). But despite that, the Bears did have some shining moments.

Quarterback Jay Cutler only had two pass attempts in the only series he played in, which were completed to second-year receiver Johnny Knox for 33 and 14-yard completions. Cutler’s lone drive resulted in a Robbie Gould field goal. The standout on offense was wide receiver Devin Aromashodu. Aromashodu finished the game with four receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown. Very little was produced in the running game by the starting unit. Running backs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor combined for 17 rushing yards on 10 carries. The first-team offensive line did pretty well, but did allow Cutler to get sacked once.

The one bad thing with the first-team defense was that they gave up a touchdown on their second series. But the first and third series played by the defensive starters looked very promising. The first drive resulted in a three-and-out, with two of the plays resulting in deflected passes by cornerback Charles Tillman and Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. On Chicago’s third and final defensive series, the defense forced a punt. Newly acquired defensive end Julius Peppers was unable to make any plays in the passing game due to the quick three-step drops of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Linebacker Brian Urlacher seemed to be back to his old self playing with his surgically reconstructed right wrist for the first time.

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Nothing really looked good on special teams. The Chargers’ only touchdowns of the game were fueled by kickoff returns of 51 and 35 yards. San Diego also blocked a Chicago punt, which resulted in a safety.

Injury wise, the Bears suffered a few key losses to reserve players. Safeties Craig Steltz and rookie Major Wright got hurt in the first half of Chicago’s first preseason game. Steltz sprained an ankle, while Wright fractured his left index finger. The biggest blow could potentially be to second-string quarterback Caleb Hanie. Hanie sprained the AC joint in this throwing shoulder when he was sacked in the third quarter by San Diego linebacker Antwan Applegate. The Bears have been trying to sign a veteran quarterback to backup Cutler just in case Hanie’s shoulder is worse than expected. But as for now, Steltz, Wright, and Hanie have not been ruled out for the regular season opener on September 12 th against the Detroit Lions.

Chicago will be getting ready for the Oakland Raiders for their preseason home opener during their final week of training camp in Bourbonnais, IL.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent