Arizona at Chicago: Preseason Game 3
Noots’ Notes: 2010
Preseason Game 3 Preview
By
Michael Nudo
The Bears embark upon their all-important third preseason game Saturday night. They enter this game with more questions than they had a month ago. Are there any morsels of goodness we can hope for?
Time to show what they have learned.
The third preseason game is looked to with importance for several reasons. This will be a telling test for not just the players, but also the coaches. The starters will see their most extended action, playing into the second half. The offense will be a main focus under a new scheme and with a retooled offensive line. This game also carries importance from the coaching standpoint. Some semblance of game plan will be in place. In-game adjustments can be made.
Left tackle Chris Williams’ performance last week was nothing short of a disaster. First, Williams needs to look better in both pass protection and run blocking. Beyond that, Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz needs to make the necessary adjustments to ensure Jay Cutler can remain upright and uninjured throughout the regular season. Will we see the backs and tight ends offer help on occasion to ensure there are no breakdowns?
Before Williams became a question, there were serious concerns about a revamped offensive line. Is Martz smart enough to keep the defense off Cutler? Will he give the ball to Forte and Taylor so the defense cannot sell out to rush the passer? Can three-step drops be used to get the ball out before the rush arrives? Will we see enough of the inexperienced right side of the line (Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale) to feel good about either their run or pass blocking?
Everyone has raved about Tommie Harris’ strong camp. This would be a good time to show something outside of practice. How will strong side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa perform in extended duty? Can he stay healthy? Brian Urlacher is out for the game. How well can they perform without their leader?
The boogeyman position of safety remains a huge question. Is Chris Harris going to revert back to the strong side? Have they seen enough of Major Wright to anoint him a starter at free safety? What will Craig Steltz’s strong camp result in? Can Danieal Manning be counted on to play one position, and play it well? We don’t expect to see Wright in action. Will somebody step up? Is anybody left that hasn’t gotten injured? It’s almost as if former Bear Mike Brown’s well-catalogued injury bug has been passed down those who have followed him.
Against Arizona, they’ll be facing a very troubled passing attack. Quarterback Matt Leinert has been benched in favor of Derek Anderson. Stud wideout Larry Fitzgerald (knee) isn’t expected to play. The Bears really need to show some results, with style points. If they find a way to somehow make either of the Cardinals passers look good, Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli should be strung up by their cover-twos.
August 28th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Good questions and analysis Noots. Looking forward this season for more of your offerings—-hopefully praising the Bears but dont see that likelihood at present. Hope I am wrong.