Chicago Bears Training Camp Update

The Chicago Bears’ third preseason game resulted in yet another loss, this time losing 37-30 to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears showed some promise offensively by putting up 20 points in the first half with the newly appointed starter Kyle Orton under center. Orton displayed good chemistry with WR Rashied Davis by connecting with him four times throughout the game, two of which resulted in touchdowns. Along with the two TDs, Orton finished the game 10-17 for 147 yards passing. In addition to the passing game, the ground attack looked as equally impressive, putting to rest any doubt of Chicago’s running game. The Bears offensive line had little difficulty opening holes for RBs Matt Forte and Kevin Jones, both of which combined for 74 yards on 14 carries. Overall, the first-team offense looked primed and ready for the regular season. The story on the defensive side of the ball was totally different.

Just like the 49ers defense, the Bears first-team defense also gave up 20 points in the first half, along with 248 total yards. Some say that it is just a preseason game, but in this case, it’s the third preseason game; the game that the starters play the most, which gives the coaching staff an indication of what direction the starters are headed. And so far, the Bears lackluster effort on defense shows that they are not quite ready for the regular season.

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Although the starters may play no more than two series in the final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, the Bears as a whole must find some positive consistency, especially on defense, if they hope to stand a chance against the Indianapolis Colts on the road in the regular season opener September 7th.

By Clyde A. Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent