Bears Blitz

Published by Seth Boster on August 23, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Electricity was in the air at the jam-packed Soldier Field Saturday night as the Bears made their home field debut facing a formidable opponent in the New York Giants.

Any lingering disappointment from last week’s performance was quickly forgotten in this second preseason contest.

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

Offense—Grade: A-

“Offensively, Jay and the rest of the crew really picked it up,” said head coach Lovie Smith.

Quarterback Jay Cutler showcased his premier ability in the first three series of play. In those three drives, Cutler anchored the team to three scores. Demonstrating exceptional arm strength and precise accuracy, Cutler reminded Bear faithful that he is a true Pro Bowl player.

Receiver Earl Bennett rebounded from a silent week one and hauled in two receptions for 42 yards. Bennett looked like the route runner we’ve heard about in training camp, and it will be interesting to see if he can prove consistent heading into next week.

Unlike Bennett, Devin Hester looked as if he was on a different page with Cutler. Hester once had an opportunity to grab a bomb from the gunslinger, but failed to do so after slowing down on the pattern.

Another Devin, named Aromashadu, stepped in with the starting offense and made a diving 38-yard catch.

Tight end Greg Olsen returned to action after sitting last week and had a 17-yard reception. He also had a dropped ball. Olsen’s return was anticipated to be more productive after hearing reports over the offseason that listed him as Cutler’s favorite target.

Also returning to the playing field was running back Matt Forte. Forte looked as if he was in midseason form after ripping a 32-yard touchdown. His vision was superb on nearly every one of his nine carries that totaled to 58 yards, and it sure doesn’t look like he has any bit of “sophomore slump” in him.

Paving the way for him was another solid performance from the offensive line. Guard Frank Omiyale executed nicely and threw a major block for Forte on that 32-yard breakaway.

Throughout the game, the line only gave up two sacks against a strong Giants’ defense.

Defense—Grade: B+

The first Bears’ defense against powerful running back Brandon Jacobs almost resembled a game of bowling. The defense represented the pins, and Jacobs, the destructive ball.

Players left and right seemed to abandon their tackling fundamentals, failing to drop low and wrap up. Players including linebacker Brian Urlacher.

However, despite it seeming as though Jacobs could go on forever, it was impressive to see the defensive unit come together and hold the Giants to zero TDs. The only score came off a fumble by Kevin Jones, which converted into a field goal.

Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa played well, providing effort on almost every play he was in for and was there on a lot of tackles.

Up front, the D-line produced five sacks. One of those sacks came from end Alex Brown, who also forced a fumble.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris caused reason to worry after returning and failing to make an impact.

In the backfield, safety Kevin Payne made three tackles and even made an impressive effort to bat a crucial pass away in his time in.

Special Teams—Grade: A

Coordinator Dave Toub once again shifted players in and out of the special teams unit.

And once again, the unit came to play mistake-free.

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