Bears Fall 18-16 to Browns in Preseason Finale: Notebook

I liked what I saw out of Terrence Toliver. He played pretty well and I hope he gets a shot at the practice squad.

Aug 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst (30) makes and interception in front of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Since Eric Weems and Marquess Wilson  didn’t play, it’s a good bet that they made the team.  Unless the Bears find a way to trade Earl Bennett, Toliver’s best shot will be to develop on the practice squad.

I was really impressed with Demontre Hurst.  I had been pegging CJ Wilson to nab on of the deep roster spots for backup cornerback, but I thought Hurst outplayed Wilson.  Both played well and I could see either grabbing a roster spot, but I doubt both would.

Really tough break for Corey Brandon.  Late in the 4th quarter, Trent Edwards was sacked and appeared to roll up on Brandon’s knee and leading for Brandon to be carted off the field.  Brandon was a super longshot to make the team, but you hate to see anyone get hurt late in a meaningless preseason game.

Kellen Davis caught a couple of balls.  For the Browns.  Then he proceeded to be called for an illegal procedure penalty on a key 4th down play.  There’s the Kellen we all loathe and despise.

Harvey Unga’s days with the Bears might be numbered.  His best chance to be at training camp next season will be if he enrolls at Olivet Nazarene University.  He ran well, but had a costly fumble that let the Browns back into the game.  Tony Fiametta has locked down that fullback spot.

JT Thomas had a monster sack.  I am rooting for him to grab a roster spot because he’s a heck of a special teams contributor.  If DJ Williams isn’t your starting MLB and he can’t contribute on special teams, what’s the point of having him?

Robbie Gould was in mid-season form.  How nice would it have been to nail that 57-yard game winner?

The Browns have guys on their team named Smelley and Gurley?  Insert. Joke. Here.

So that puts a wrap on the preseason.  The Bears will go about the difficult task of cutting down the roster to the mandated 53 man roster by Saturday and begin preparations in earnest for their Week 1 matchup against the Bengals.