Bears vs Jaguars: Winners and Losers
Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) carted off the field during the first half of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Losers
Zach Miller and Kyle Fuller
Both went out of the game due to injuries. Miller went from Week 1 hero to a “devastating injury” in one short week. It just shows how fragile an NFL career really is. For Fuller, it doesn’t sound like his injury is all that serious, but he lost valuable reps as he was injured on the opening kickoff.
Shea McClellin
I’ll admit, I need to re-watch the tape on McClellin again, but my initial reaction was not good. The stat sheet shows that he had four tackles, but it’s the tackles that he didn’t make that are concerning. If you’re looking for consistency from McClellin, you’ve got it. He consistently allows himself to get blocked and runs himself out of plays after falling for misdirection plays. I’m hoping the Bears have some secret sub package that will use McClellin more effectively because otherwise, I’ve seen enough.
Eric Weems
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eric Weems (14) before the game against the Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
With a costly fumble on a kickoff return. I’ve seen enough. Can we PLEASE bring Devin Hester back??? OK, that might not be possible, but we need to see something – ANYTHING – from the return game.
First Half Defense
I’m going to put the entire unit in the Losers list. They let Chad Henne go for 130 yards and rookie Blake Bortles throw for another 160 yards. They let Toby Gerhart tear off an 18 yard run. They couldn’t get themselves off the field on third and long repeatedly. The pass rush took a step back and I have no idea what’s going on in the secondary. Neither do they.
Marc Trestman’s challenge
Trestman challenges a play on his own sideline where Josh Bellamy juggled the ball and didn’t complete the process of the catch going to the ground. I’m hoping he was just experimenting, because you can’t challenge a call that clear cut. Maybe Lovie Smith made him do it?
What did you think? Who were your Winners and Losers?