First Half Highlights: Bears Lead Chargers 20-7
Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during a 58-yard run in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears are off to a strong start in their Week 2 preseason game against the San Diego Chargers. Here are some of the first half highlights, with the Bears leading 20-7 at the half:
- Nice to see Devin Hester with a really solid return. He took one from about 8 yards deep and got it out to the 37 yard line for a 45 yard return.
- The Bears offense got off to a really slow start. In their first series Matt Forte ran for -2 yards and Jay Cutler was sacked twice. Midseason form.
- Matt Forte got plenty of action in his limited time. He had 8 carries for 74 yards and a rushing touchdown. His highlight was a 58 yard run that should have gone to the house, but Forte couldn’t quite break away. He did get a rare red zone carry for a short TD run.
- Jay Cutler showed you a little bit of everything. He had a boneheaded interception heading into the red zone on a throw into double coverage of Brandon Marshall.
- Speaking of Marshall, he made his 2013 debut and had a great red zone TD. He finished up with 4 catches for 38 yards and a TD.
- You had to like what you saw out of the rookies on the right side of the offensive line. Kyle Long raised a lot of eyebrows as the Bears routinely ran right with pretty good success. Long had a couple of pancakes and really impressed with his speed and ability to finish on the second level.
- I liked what I saw out of Martellus Bennett. He scooped up a loose ball and blocked well. There was one play where he was motioned into a bunch formation and became the lead blocker on a bubble screen to Marshall. Nice design and good execution on a simple play.
- The defense had plenty of highlights on their own. I really like what I saw out of Corey Wootton in his debut. He had a dominant sack.
- Shea McClellin showed pretty well too. He saw Wootton’s sack and raised him a forced fumble. Nice to see that competition heating up and paying dividends.
- Nick Collins continues to have a strong preseason.
- Chris Conte added an interception to the turnover parade. The Bears had 4 takeaways on the half.
- J’Marcus Webb came out with the second unit as the left tackle. Kyle Long and Jordan Mills played the entire first half as they continue to get reps and try to gel.
- The Bears prevent defense allowed the Chargers to march down the field and score in the 2 minute drill. Aside from Bostic, it was all second team guys in there for the score.
- Most importantly, it appeared as though the Bears got through the first half injury free.