Chicago Bears host Cleveland Browns: 5 Things to Watch

3 of 6

Aug 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Will the Bears’ starting offense score a touchdown this preseason?

Through three games, the Bears’ starting offense has failed to score a touchdown. It’s not an overly big deal – they’ve had five drives by my count that have resulted in field goals, so they’ve moved the ball – but I’d like to see them punch one in Thursday, if only to boost confidence in the unit.

The offense has battled through a number of handicaps this preseason, not the least of which has been the shaky play at the tackle positions, particularly right tackle (see previous slide). However, the wide receiver position has been decimated and there’s no real depth at tight end behind Martellus Bennett.

So far, Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White haven’t played in the preseason, while Marquess Wilson and Eddie Royal both missed the third game. Matt Forte didn’t play in the first preseason game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if all five of them (White’s definitely out) don’t play Thursday night, either. That’s a lot of talent to have on the sideline.

But the Bears will have to deal with these injuries and others during the season. They need to find a way to put the ball in the end zone, or else this season’s going to be worse than all the prognosticators say it will be.

Despite the hindrances, they’ve put together some good drives, particularly against the Colts in the second preseason game. They’ve also had the mandatory moments of ineptitude that come with a Bears offense. In short, they’re still a work in progress.

Watching a replay of Saturday’s game, the offense didn’t play as bad as I thought it did. The pass blocking was atrocious, but at times the run blocking was sufficient, and Cutler’s line of 13 of 17 for 98 yards was great, although the yardage is paltry. With a shaky offensive line and without down the field weapons, which he didn’t have, that’s the type of line we might come to expect from Cutler this year.

Still, the offense needs to show something in whatever limited time they receive Thursday night. A great drive that ends in the end zone this time would go a long way toward building confidence for the unit and fans.

Next: Settling Questions On Offense

Home/Chicago Bears News