Chicago Bears Preseason Game #2: Stock Watch Offense

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

QB Jay Cutler – Was a very efficient 8/9 for 69 yards and led the Bears to field goals in three of his four drives. He also had a 13-yard scramble for a first down. His numbers could have been even better but both a 43-yard completion and a 12-yard TD run where called back due to penalties. On the end of the run Cutler lowered his shoulder and drove rookie safety Clayton Geathers into the end zone. His helmet came off on the play and it was an unneccessary risk in a preseason game, but I was impressed by Cutler’s attitude. He’s been labeled as apathetic by just about every member of the media, but he seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder this preseason.

WR Josh Bellamy – His only official catch was a 12-yard TD, but he had a 43-yard catch wiped out by a penalty on the O-line. I wrote about Bellamy being on the bubble before the game, but with the Bears lack of WR depth he helped solidify his roster spot with a nice game on Saturday.

WR Rashad Lawrence – Had 3 catches for 25 yards including a 12 yarder on 3rd & long that resulted in a first down. Lawrence showed some run-after-catch ability on Saturday night and could earn a roster spot if he continues to play well and the Bears WR depth doesn’t improve. Bellamy, Lawrence, and Meredith have all played well so far, but there isn’t room for all three, so someone will need to step up to claim the job. I expect the Bears to be watching the waiver wire closely for WRs once rosters are trimmed, but a player like Lawrence has a shot to claim one of the WR roster spots if he ends the preseason strong.

C Will Montgomery – The Bears starting interior line could all be listed here as they won the battle at the line of scrimmage for most of the first half. Montgomery and his interior linemates consistently created running lanes for Rodgers on back to back scoring drives. With the struggles of Grasu and Montgomery’s strong play, he’s all but locked up the starting center gig.

RT Jordan Mills – Took his demotion to the 2nd team well, earning both the highest run blocking and overall grade on the Bears offense. Mills opened some big holes for rookie Jeremy Langford and had no trouble moving Colts 2nd & 3rd teamers off the line of scrimmage. Leno Jr didn’t do enough to win the right tackle job on Saturday, so next week will be a big one for Mills if he wants to reclaim his starting gig.

TE Bear Pascoe – Didn’t make any catches but was one of the Bears highest graded run blockers according to Pro Football Focus (1.1 overall grade). Pascoe is one of many players competing for the TE2 job and with Miller struggling as a blocker and the limited upside of Rosario, Pascoe put himself in the mix with a strong performance Saturday night.