Itch Trubisky’s The Haze encouraging debut Thursday amplified the thrill of approximately what’s ahead for the Bears after their 24-17 exhibition loss to the Broncos. But there is extra to it. Behind outsiders’ frenzied examination in their quarterback scenario is a last-location team trying to benefit a foothold in all three phases of the game.
And, hiya, at the least, the Bears confirmed some life. That’s extra than they may say a yr in the past after their 22-0 preseason-starting loss to the Broncos. “All in all, it was an awesome Week 1 overall performance,” train John Fox stated. Fox cited his group’s 173 speeding yards and the defense’s stinginess until the fourth area. It regarded the Bears had avoided any severe accidents to key games straight away after the game.
They go back to Bourbonnais on Saturday for 3 practices at Olivet Nazarene before breaking camp and relocating to Lake Forest to settle into more of a normal-season habit. Here’s our 3-section overview of Thursday’s recreation with a few assessments to be aware of as they get returned to work.
Offense
The reason for optimism:
Rookie Mitch Trubisky absolutely showcased his athleticism and throwing accuracy over 44 snaps. He was given into a good rhythm within the hurry-up offense at the top of each half and glaringly was secure seeing the sector out of the shotgun. Suddenly, there’s in-game evidence supporting exhilaration approximately his destiny.
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The search for positives among gamers better up the depth chart leads to the jogging back the opposition. Fourth-round rookie Tarik Cohen confirmed burst in turning the corner on numerous runs. The 5-foot-6, 181-pound speedster additionally held up OK in opposition to living tackling, gaining nine and three yards aftertouch on separate first-half includes. Veterans Ka’Deem Carey and Benny Cunningham each had an amazing feel for finding lanes when they had been to be had. That competition was given the greater thrilling, mainly with veteran Jeremy Langford (proper ankle) needing to catch up.
The reason for the problem:
The overhauled first-string passing assault broke down in all three regions: quarterback, protection, and receivers. It’s crucial to consider the interdependent elements. On the interception returned for a touchdown, Mike Glennon (2-for-8, 20 yards) probably must have thrown under to Kendall Wright, who had steps on his defender and room to run after the capture, in place of throwing long into insurance while being forced.
But Glennon needs his receivers to help him, and this is in which the Bears’ formula certainly should cross sideways. The Bronco’s protection led the NFL last season in yards in keeping with the pass, and their sticky shielding backs are a massive reason why. Even their 2d stringers blanketed Cameron Meredith and Kevin White efficaciously. The Bears want those two to play faster, and they want Markus Wheaton (appendectomy) back to stretch the sector deep.
Worth discussing:
Trubisky surpassed 6 times after losing their lower back from beneath the center. 5 of this worried play-motion and 5 concerned rollouts. In other words, coaches apprehend he’s extra cozy in the shotgun, so they eased him into dropping back via shifting the pocket and having the sphere, which simplified his reads. Clearly, that allowed Trubisky to play freely and helped spark some confidence. As the preseason keeps, it will likely be thrilling to peer whether or not coaches have him drop again from underneath center more frequently without play-action or rolling out. Going via progressions and analyzing defenses from under the middle are regions in which Trubisky admittedly wishes experience.
Defense
The reason for optimism:
Just observe the scoreboard. The protection surrendered three points through the first 3 quarters. That’s an encouraging indicator of the talent, intensity, and training on that facet of the ball, no matter the Broncos’ unsettled quarterback state of affairs. The first units tackled well enough and, of more importance, a few younger possibilities flashed. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd sacked Trevor Siemian on the primary snap. He gained hand combat in opposition to proper address Menelik Watson, then fast grew to become the corner and pulled into the quarterback. Second-year shielding ceases Jonathan Bullard penetrated the backfield to prevent a third-and-1 carry. Rookie protection Eddie Jackson contested a pass downfield and made an address towards the run.
The reason for difficulty:
6 penalties within the first 1/2 signified a lack of discipline. Even extra troubling became that the Bears committed 4 infractions on four consecutive snaps during the sphere-purpose pressure they surrendered within the first quarter. Defensive quit Mitch Unrein jumped into the impartial sector. Cornerback Bryce Callahan turned into flagged for pass interference, even though the call turned questionable. Then Willie Young and Sam Acho committed again-to-again non-public fouls. Later within the half of, Eddie Goldman smacked Broncos center Dillon Day’s head with an open hand after Day taunted him.
Worth discussing:
This season’s emphasis on takeaways? Nothing to expose for it after one game. The Bears didn’t come away with any turnovers simultaneously as the Broncos controlled takeaways through the first 3 drives.
Special teams
The reason for optimism: Cohen’s unique pace makes him a dangerous punt returner. He’s a threat any time he touches the ball. And although he would not wreck a long go back, he is rapid sufficient to beat tacklers to the threshold and flip the corner. His handiest go back changed into for 17 yards; at the drawback, he bobbled the capture. Bears coaches have been thrilled by way of how cleanly Cohen caught punts in practice, in particular, due to the fact he wasn’t recreation-tested in college.
The reason for concern:
With the sport tied late within the fourth sector, Pat O’Donnell’s 57-yard punt netted the best 8 yards because of a 34-backyard return plus a past due-hit penalty on O’Donnell. The insurance team changed into created from numerous reserves clawing for a roster spot, including tight end Daniel Brown, protection Deon Bush and linebacker John Timu.
Worth discussing:
Deonte Thompson had a 44-backyard kickoff return that resulted from first-class blocks from veteran special teamers Sherrick McManis and Chris Prosinski. Thompson is the incumbent, so he does not constitute an upgrade to the Bears’ massive-play capability within the return recreation. But coaches don’t forget him to be reliable to withstanding contact and fast sufficient to yardage chunk yardage.