Chicago Bears: Preseason Week 3 Takeaways and Analysis
By David Mamola
The third and most important preseason game didn’t go too well for the Chicago Bears, as they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 23-7.
The third preseason game is often considered to be the most important. It’s a dress rehearsal for teams and is usually the last time the starters see the field until opening day.
The Chicago Bears were hoping to send a positive message out to their fans with a strong performance on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but instead, the team’s performance left nothing but a bad taste in fans’ mouths.
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In an awful 23-7 loss to the Chiefs, it’s hard to find some positives for the Bears. At halftime, the Bears had three 3 and outs, two first downs, and—wait for it—20 total yards! The Chiefs, meanwhile, ran 45 plays, gained 239 yards, and scored 13 points in the half.
Needless to say, it wasn’t a pretty game to watch if you were a Bears fan. The team has now scored just seven points in their two home preseason games, and have been outscored in the preseason 68-29.
Here are a few other things that stood out from the game:
- The first-string offense had a productive first drive of the second half (45 yard drive, 4 first downs), but came away with zero points as Robbie Gould missed a 48-yard field goal. It’s also important to note that this drive came against the Chief’s second-string defense.
- The defense had a “bend, don’t break” first half, allowing only one touchdown on three Kansas City red zone trips, but the Bears’ third down defense between the twenties was awful. The Chiefs were 6 for 10 on third downs in the half, and 9 for 17 in the game.
- Tight ends are a big part of the offense for the Chiefs, but the Bears really struggled covering them on Saturday. Chiefs’ tight ends combined for eight receptions and 76 yards, including several third down conversions.
- Jay Cutler (6-15, 45 yards) didn’t play great, but his receivers definitely didn’t help him out either, dropping four passes, including two by Alshon Jeffery (one of which could have been a touchdown) and one by Kevin White.
- Speaking of White, he doesn’t look comfortable yet. For the preseason, he has caught 3 passes for just 12 yards.
- Harold Jones-Quartey has had an up and down preseason, but on Saturday, it was up. He led the team with six tackles and made a very nice play in the red zone to prevent a Chiefs’ touchdown.
- With Kyle Fuller out with a knee injury and Tracy Porter leaving in the first half with a concussion, there were plenty of opportunities for the Bears’ young cornerbacks Deiondre’ Hall and Jacoby Glenn to standout. Unfortunately, neither really separated themselves from the pack. Hall made an interception on a tipped pass, but he was also burned for a 58-yard catch by Tyreek Hill on third down. Glenn broke up a pass on third down, but he also allowed a couple of third down receptions.
- It’s a shame that Connor Shaw’s season appears to be over with a severe leg injury. He came in late in the second half and provided a spark, leading the team to their only touchdown. Had he come out of the game healthy, he could have pushed Brian Hoyer for second-team reps, as Hoyer—once again—was lackluster. Hoyer is also now nursing a rib injury.
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- Give game balls to defensive end Jonathan Bullard and wide receiver Cameron Meredith. Bullard had three tackles (including two for loss), one sack, and two quarterback hits. Meredith had four catches (on eight targets) for 64 yards and a touchdown. If you’re looking for positives in this game, these two players definitely provided some.
The Bears final preseason game is Thursday, September 1st, against the Cleveland Browns.