Bears win game three, but lose Cam Meredith to ACL

Bears lose Meredith after ACL tear during Titans game
Bears lose Meredith after ACL tear during Titans game

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On a bright, sunny day in Nashville, the Chicago Bears played their best game of the preseason and come back to Chicago with a win in game three.

Quarterback Mike Glennon solidified his starting job with a strong start, Mitchell Trubisky played well in relief, and the Bears defeated Tennessee 19-7. Overshadowing the victory, however was a devastating Injury to Cam Meredith.

Meredith was carted off the field after his leg was stabilized with an air cast. Preliminary reports indicate Meredith tore his ACL and will undergo further tests back in Chicago. Another potentially serious injury to Bears long snapper Patrick Scales happened in the first half.

The Bears won the coin flip and deferred, and their defense held the Titans. The ensuing punt went out of bounds on the four yard line, where Glennon began what was his best scoring drive this year. A well-balanced attack chewed up almost 8 minutes. The 15th play of the drive was capped off with a 1 yard TD pass from Glennon to tight end Dion Sims.

On this day, all three phases played well in the first half. Early in the second quarter, reserve Roy Robertson-Harris blocked a punt. Adam Shaheen recovered the ball in the end zone, but he was ruled out of bounds before gaining full possession, and the play was ruled a safety.

Mike Glennon and the Bears first string offense went on a 10-play drive at the end of the first half and Connor Barth split the uprights with a 41-yard field goal and the Bears took a 12-0 lead into the locker room.

The third game of the preseason is often referred to as the dress rehearsal for the regular season. The Bears game three’s have been disastrous recently.  Chicago had been out scored 65-3 the last three years in their game three “dress rehearsals.”

Starting the second half, the Bears quarterback of the future, Mitch Trubisky had his turn with the first string. This game, however, Trubisky started slowly. He was uncharacteristically off target on his early throws, but settled in mid way through the 3rd quarter.

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After the Titans first string offense finally put the ball in the end zone on the first play of the 4th quarter, cutting Chicago’s lead to 12-7, Trubisky capped off the scoring with a perfectly lofted ball to Tanner Gentry. The 45-yard touchdown capped off a seven play, 75-yard drive, making the final score Bears 19, Titans 7.

The Chicago Bears conclude the preseason with their annual game vs. the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, August 31st, at Soldier Field.

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