Chicago Bears Outlast Philadelphia Eagles for 34-28 Win
Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Nick Foles(9) throws a pass under pressure from Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (L) and defensive end
Willie Young(R) during the first quarter of a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the ball, it was a mixed bag. The starting defensive line was impressive, despite Jared Allen’s absence. Willie Young’s pressure led to a Ryan Mundy interception while Sherrick McManis added another pick. Undrafted rookie Al Louis-Jean added an interception and just missed another late while second year linebacker Khaseem Greene scooped up a fumble to set up a Robbie Gould field goal.
The second team defense really struggled against the Mark Sanchez led Eagles second unit. It was a new position, but the same results for Shea McClellin. The Eagles ran the ball right at him in key situations, including right down at the goal line. The Eagles also were able to consistently find soft spots in the Bears defense between the linebackers and the safeties. If there’s a weakness on the defense, this appears to be it. Bostic and McClellin weren’t getting deep enough in their drops.
Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khaseem Greene (52) celebrates a fumble recovery during the second half of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. The Bears won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The safeties were OK. Danny McCray and Ryan Mundy started while and Mundy’s interception and a big thump by Adrian Wilson were the highlights. For the rookie defenders, Kyle Fuller looked decent and had a nice recovery to knock away what would have been a first down reception. Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton got pushed around with the second team defense. Brock Vereen was paired with Adrian Wilson for at least a couple of series; no better person for the rookie to learn from.
The Special Teams was pretty much a disaster. I would like to be in on the ground floor of the #fireDeCamillis campaign if this type of play continues. They had a blocked field goal attempt, an illegal touching that negated the one decent punt they had in the night, gave up a kick return for a touchdown and muffed a punt. Anyone else miss Dave Toub???
Most importantly, the Bears appeared to get out of the game relatively injury free, at least to their major stars. Backup interior offensive lineman Brian de la Puente suffered a leg injury when he got rolled up. Wide receiver Chris Williams popped a hammy during his 73 yard touchdown reception. Otherwise, it appears the Bears made it through clean. It was a sloppy game, which is to be expected for the first preseason game, but 14 penalties is far too many.
After the game, head coach Marc Trestman addressed the Martellus Bennett situation by saying the team would evaluate the situation in the next 24 hours.
What did you think of the Bears effort in the first preseason game? What stood out for you? What are you looking forward to seeing next week, when the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town?