Bears vs. Browns - Meaningless
The Bears closed out the preseason with a nice 20-7 victory over the Browns, supposedly only the second time the Bears have ever won in the city of Cleveland in 17 tries (including preseason). That's pretty shocking, really.
Unfortunately, that's the most interesting thing I can say about this game. (Thank God for the DVR on this one, I never would have made it if I had to sit through commercials.) Both teams limited their starters to just a handful of plays in an attempt to stay healthy for the opener next week. Well, it worked for the most part unless your name is Mark Bradley. Some other thoughts:
- Grossman looked pretty damn good, but who cares? It was Cleveland. The Browns started former Bear 5th stringer Daven Holly at corner and ten other no-names on D. Better to look good than bad, though, I suppose; and he did. Now carry it over into the regular season.
- Griese played one series and had zero pass protection. Lovie wisely removed him, no sense getting Griese hurt when he'll likely be starting by week 4.
- All camp there's been a battle at Wide Receiver, and I think Rashied Davis' lack of playing time tonight assures his spot on the roster. If not starting, certainly in the slot. As for the rest...Ariese Currie dropped a Grossman TD, but made a few other nice catches and I think he earned the fifth spot. Justin Gage, I'm not so sure. His best chance to stick is if Bradley starts the season on the Injured List.
- Lightning Round:
- Starting Defense looked great, but again, it was the Browns. Big deal.
- Devin Hester - the next Dante Hall.
- The Bears have a Tight End. Who knew?
- P.J. Pope - If he didn't earn a spot on the roster, he certainly earned one on the practice squad. Ditka said it best, though, when he said some team will pick him up. Good luck, P.J.
- Michael Haynes - the season-ending injury to Dvoracek opened the door for him to stay. Still a major bustout for a first-round pick, though.
- JD Runnels - promising looking fullback. I wouldn't be surprised if he surpasses the mediocre Jason McKie and starts by week 6. Too bad about the injury to Bryan Johnson. He never got a chance to do squat here.
That's about all I have to say about the "meaningless" football game tonight. I'm preseasoned out, let's get going with the real games. GO BEARS!!!!!!!