With Richard Dent finally getting the call to Canton, it’s fitting that the Bears participate in the Hall of Fame Game, which kicks off the NFL preseason action. That is of course, if thes knucklehead owners and players can reach an agreement and end the NFL Lockout.
The Bears face the St. Louis Rams, whose very own Marshall Faulk will get inducted into the Hall of Fame as well. The game is set for August 7th on NBC.
Playing in the Hall of Fame Game actually means that the Bears get 5 preseason games, not exactly what a veteran team like the Bears really care for. It also means that the Bears can open training camp in Bourbonnais a week earlier than usual. Besides the opener vs the Rams in Canton, here is the Bears preseason schedule after the jump.
Aug. 13 Buffalo at Chicago (Fox 32 in Chicago, re-broadcast on NFL Network)
Aug. 22 Chicago at N.Y. Giants, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Aug. 27 Chicago at Tennessee (Fox 32 in Chicago, re-broadcast on NFL Network)
Sept. 1 Cleveland at Chicago (Fox 32 in Chicago, re-broadcast on NFL Network)
Dates and times are subject to change on all of the dates except the HOF Game and the Monday Night Football tilt against Jay Cutler’s old buddies, the New York Giants. Something tells me JC is hoping the lockout extends at least until August 23.
Is it just me or do the Bears play the Browns every year in the preseason? What is it with that matchup every G-damn year? Have fun getting rid of those tickets!
Again, all of this is contingent on the NFL and the group of players formerly known as the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) coming together and striking a deal to end this senseless lockout. Seeing the preseason schedule gets the juices flowing a little bit, so let’s hope we can get a deal done! If they can get a deal done, this might make a fun little road trip. Go see Dent inducted and then watch the Bears and Rams kick off the 2011 campaign.