Gut reactions from the Bears first preseason game against the Denver Broncos
Without combing through and looking at the coaches tape, there were still some instant reactions that are worth looking into coming right out of the gates. For this edition, we will look at what stood out on offense.
Quarterback
We have ourselves a quarterback controversy. Now let’s get real, there is a bit of over reaction in how well Mitchell Trubisky looked tonight. Mike Glennon faced much tougher personnel. Still, the difference and improvement in physical traits, poise, and command were apparent when Mark Sanchez came in and then it stepped up another level with Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky may not win the job as much as Glennon is losing the job. His pick-six on the first drive was not just a bad pass, it was a terrible decision to make.
Trubisky should not start in week one based on one-half of preseason football. However, Trubisky should start week two of the preseason, and get a chance against a starting unit.
Running back
Tarik Cohen showed burst and balance. He showed up as a punt returner and even made some moves between the tackles to show his well-versed skill set. Ka’Deem Carey made plays on special teams. However, he left the game with a quad injury. Benny Cunningham broke a 26-yard run which showed patience, but overall Cohen looked better in a role both players are suited for. The team used Joshua Rounds to close out the game, but only finished with 20 yards. He is not moving up the roster.
Wide receiver
Trubisky seemed to be comfortable throwing to Victor Cruz. He connected with Cruz on the touchdown and targeted him another time in the red zone. Cruz is likely to make the team, but it will be interesting to see if the team will keep that duo together in the preseason. Rueben Randle and Josh Bellamy both stood out as reliable targets, and Deonte Thompson had two strong kick returns to make his case for the team. The bottom of the Bears wide receiver depth chart will still need to be sorted out over the next few weeks.
Next: 53-man roster prediction
Offensive Line
Tom Compton was given the start at right guard with Kyle Long and Eric Kush sidelined. This is at least worth noting because there was speculation of putting Cody Whitehair at guard and Hronis Grasu. It also shows that the team does not have faith that Grasu can slide over to guard in emergency situations, which does decrease his value a bit. Whitehair had an errant snap and is only in his second season, so the team should not really be looking to shuffle him around, especially if Long is expected to be back soon.
Tight End
Trubisky took a couple of shots at Daniel Brown and Adam Shaheen, but was 2-5 when targeting these tight ends. No one from this group really stood out, and it seems as though the pecking order is set.