Bears Blitz

Published by Seth Boster on August 17, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Lofty expectations were in place as quarterback Jay Cutler and the rest of the Chicago Bears donned their game uniforms for the first time entering the highly anticipated 2009 season.

In the first preseason contest in Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium, Bears fans got to see the offense operate with the debut of Chicago’s golden boy—Cutler—and the return of a defense that had many questions surrounding it.

By unit, let’s take a look at what we saw from the Bears Saturday night.

Offense—Grade: C

All eyes were, of course, on Cutler. And to some, Cutler disappointed. With a 30.8 passer rating, consisting of an interception and another pass that should have been picked off, Cutler didn’t exactly look sharp.

Of the 10 passes he threw, six of them regrettably were intended for Devin Hester. Hester caught two of those balls, but if anyone was disappointing on offense, it was Hester himself.

When some thought that Hester was finally developing as a polished receiver, Hester still showed a lack of possessing “receiver instincts.” On that deep pass that Cutler bombed to Hester—although it was a bad decision by Cutler to throw to double coverage—Hester didn’t even attempt to bat the ball away from defenders.

As many times Cutler tried to connect with Hester, there seemed to be some sort of miscommunication.

Cutler, however, did connect with the reliable Desmond Clark on a pretty 30-yard completion.

Strangely, Earl Bennett, who did indeed start across from Hester on the first offense, was practically invisible. One reception for a measly six yards is not very convincing that he is trustworthy of being a starter.

The offensive line was most impressive Saturday night. Especially in pass situations, the line was rock solid. Chris Williams looks suddenly reliable after sitting out the majority of his rookie season last year. Players like Josh Beekman, Frank Omiyale, and Kevin Shaffer give the line plenty of depth also.

Behind the line was a seemingly rejuvenated Kevin Jones. It seems that Jones is running stronger and more swiftly than he has in a while. His field vision will surely improve as he gets more reps throughout the offseason.

Running back Matt Forte and tight end Greg Olsen were out of action in this preseason matchup. Cutler and Olsen have built a strong rapport over the offseason and will allegedly be Cutler’s go-to man this season. It will be interesting to see the offense operate once these players return, considering they are potentially the key players in it.

Defense—Grade: B

Fans were hoping to see a more fierce Bears defense in this preseason opener after an offseason that saw Rod Marinelli come in to coach the line and head coach Lovie Smith take over the play-calling.

Marinelli’s line looked fired up, at times, and put considerable pressure on Bills quarterback, Trent Edwards. Edwards, however, was able to complete all 10 of his passes during his stint of playing time, without his No. 1 target—Terrell Owens.

In the backfield, where there are plenty of players competing for a role, the Bears struggled to defend against short passes.

One standout safety had to be Al Afalava. The sixth round draft choice shockingly started in Daniel Manning’s absence and made plays, including two back-to-back tackles on a powerful runner in Marshawn Lynch.

Craig Steltz also stood out recording five tackles, a forced fumble and an interception that converted into a touchdown. Steltz did play against the Bills’ second and third string, however.

It will be interesting to see how much of a difference defensive tackle, Tommie Harris can make once he returns to play.

Special Teams—Grade: A-

As always, the Bears’ special teams unit came to play.

Twice we saw Bears hustle to the goal line and create bad field position for the Bills.

The Bears also recovered a muffed punt.

Rookie Juaquin Iglesias had an impressive return, taking it deep into Bills territory. The other rookie receiver, Johnny Knox, dropped one punt.

Don’t forget to check out next week’s Bears Breakdown!