Impressions from Bears Preseason, Game 1
The Bears lost to San Francisco Friday night in the first exhibition game of the 2006 season. In preseason, though, it really isn't about winning or losing, it's about how you play the game. So how did they play, you ask? Well, not great.
First and foremost, exactly what the Bears had hoped wouldn't happen, happened. Rex Grossman played poorly and Brian Griese was lights out. If there wasn't a Quarterback controversy before, there certainly is one now. I personally wouldn't pull Grossman just yet, but I would let it be known that he's on a short leash. Grossman played bad, but not Chad Hutchinson bad. He didn't play his way out of a job with this performance. Not to make excuses, but he was playing without his Pro Bowl Center and with his third string Running Back. He just didn't look comfortable back there. And Griese, well, Griese was awesome. He picked apart the 49ers second-string secondary the way a former Pro Bowl Quarterback should. His 41-yard bullet to Rashied Davis for a Touchdown was especially impressive.
I think Rex knows that Lovie and the Bears aren't married to him. In fact, the Bears at present owe more money and years to Brian Griese. So they're not going to stick with Rex if they feel Griese gives them a better chance to win. They know Griese is very good, they don't know how good Grossman can be. They'll stick with Grossman just long enough to find out. If Grossman continues to struggle, Griese will start by week three. Book it.
Other thoughts from the game:
- Rashied Davis looked great. The former Arena Football two-way player played Cornerback and Special Teams last year but this year has converted to Receiver. Smart move, as he caught everything within reach and showed nice breakaway speed. He's the leading candidate for the 5th WR position, if not higher on the depth chart.
- The other WRs looked OK. Moose, Berrian each had a catch, and Bradley showed a couple of nice moves. He did fumble once, but I can overlook that if it doesn't become a Bobby Wade-like pattern.
- Orton looked like Orton, even against the third stringers. One nice pass, a lot of poor ones.
- PJ Pope showed some nice moves, but I don't think he'll stick unless Benson's shoulder doesn't heal.
- The Defense looked average. They kind of played "bend but don't break" defense. Give up a few first downs, toughen up in the red zone.
- The Bears have some decent depth in the secondary now. Behind Vasher and Tilliman, they've got Dante Wesley, Ricky Manning, Jr., Danieal Manning, and a few others. Collectively, a much better group than the bozos that got burned by Steve Smith last January.
- Niner QB Alex Smith looked much improved over last season. He was horrible last year, by far the worst QB in football. Don't put him on your Fantasy Draft cheat sheets just yet, though, as Norv Turner's offense looked rather gimmicky with a QB rollout every other play. If they keep that up, they won't go anywhere during the regular season.
- Third Rounder Devin Hester had a nice kick return, and an amazing but ill-advised punt return. On the punt return, he fielded it at the five, already a no-no, then ran the width of the field back through the end zone before turning on the jets and ending up at the 30. Fun to watch, but I'm sure Special Teams coach Dave Toub gave him an earful.
That's about it. Despite the loss, it was fun to watch football again. Till next time....Go Bears!