7 Things That We Have Learned About the Chicago Bears This Preseason

In the NFL rarely does a 33-31 win spark such promise but after the Chicago Bears, Saturday night win versus the Washington Redskins, fans in the Windy City are buzzing.

Do not get me wrong, it is only preseason football or fake football as some people call it. There are two more games yet to be played. One of those games is the all-important third preseason game this Friday in New York against the Giants.

With several decisions to be made regarding the roster and what plays will be kept in the offensive and defensive playbooks, Friday night’s game presents a daunting challenge.

The Giants are the reigning Super Bowl champion and they have a team that can exploit the Bears’ weaknesses. By the end of the Giants’ game, many of the same fans that were giddy about the victory over Redskins will either receive assurance about how good the Bears can be or, have more questions than answers.  

For now here is what we know about the Bears.

The Knee-Jerk Reaction to Brian Urlacher's Knee Injury

The knee injury that Brian Urlacher is suffering from has caused a knee-jerk reaction around Bear-nation. It is understandable as to why the fuss over Urlacher’s knee but can we trust the fact that Urlacher knows his body better than any of us does.

Is the knee injury a cause for concern? In a one-word answer, yes but we can not overreact. Urlacher had his knee scoped a little more than a week ago and he should be available to play at the season opener versus the Indianapolis Colts.

Keep in mind that Urlacher is most valuable to the Bears in the playoffs and while the Bears while need him, can we not rush him back and risk a far worst injury?

The Second-String Defense Stinks

The starters on defense for the Bears have played pretty well but when the second-stringers come into the game, look out!

With exception to the performances of rookie Shea McClellin, Kelvin Hayden and Craig Steltz, the second-string leaves little to be desired.

Watching how the Redskins carved turkeys out the non-starters of the Bears, I was alarmed. The Bears had built a pretty sizable lead and could not hold on. It makes one wonder what potential problems await them if another starter is lost with an injury.

Alshon Jeffery Is Better Than Advertised

The emergence of rookie WR Alshon Jeffery has been a huge surprise. Many of us felt that Jeffery was going to be a contributor somehow this season but nobody expected his preseason to date.

His three catches for 62 yards on Saturday have created an interesting dilemma for the Bears at receiver.

Who starts alongside of Brandon Marshall?

Another good display by Jeffery just might put him in the driver’s seat.

Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall Are a Football Match

Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall have a rare football marriage that should have never been separated.

The “Number 6” to “Number 15” tandem has greatness written all over it. After watching the Redskins’ game it appeared to me that Cutler and Marshall may have worked out together during the offseason to perfect their previous chemistry they shared in Denver.

Barring any injuries, I see the Cutler/Marshall marriage to continue to blossom into something that is worthy of several highlight reels and wins.

Shea McClellin Has the Tools to Develop into a Menace at Defensive End

We have worried about the defensive line for years now. The annual question has been who besides Julius Peppers, will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks?

Shea McClellin will have his struggles as a rookie in the NFL but I can see success in the very near future.

While his run defense will improve once he gets stronger, McClellin’s pure speed and natural knack for getting in the backfield shall reap good rewards, i.e. sacks and tackles for losses. With his persistent motor, McClellin should see a considerable amount of playing time once the season starts.

J'Marcus Webb Is the Favorite to Win the Starting Left Tackle Job

The starting left tackle position has yet to be decided with J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams going toe-to-toe. This is the most important position battle in camp and both players have had a couple of highs and lows.

Webb found himself as the only starter to play into the fourth quarter in the Bears preseason game against the Browns. His response was a solid performance versus the Redskins.

Williams has been solid but not spectacular. He has experience at every position on the offensive line except for center. That makes him more valuable to the Bears as a swing tackle than the starting left tackle.

Again, there is a battle for the position but J’Marcus Webb will win it.

Jay Cutler and Roberto Garza Can Be an Entertaining Television Pairing

Has anyone seen the commercial featuring Cutler and Roberto Garza? It was engagingly funny.

It looks like Cutler may be embracing the media spotlight or at the very least, he is accepting his role as the face of the Bears franchise.

As for Garza, I was surprised to see him having fun.

Fun is what we are having as Bears fans and this appears to a fun season in the making.