Game 4 of preseason is nothing more than an anxiety riddled event in which
there is little to gain but a season can be lost. While position battles remain
unsettled, expect nothing more than a token appearance by the starters.
The Bears Offense
For as long as there has been football in Chicago, two things have been
consistent, great defense and a great running game. The defense remains solid
and may have improved but thanks to injuries to both Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones, the running game has been rather ineffective in preseason. Neither will
likely see a snap in Thursday's game as the Bears will look to have a potent 1-2
punch ready for the Packers, on opening day.
The Bears have invested a great deal of time, money and a high draft pick on
quarterback Rex Grossman but that may not be enough to save his job. Head coach,
Lovie Smith continues to publicly support Rex but Bears fans can not be ignored,
especially when they are booing the starting quarterback whenever he takes a
snap. If Rex continues to struggle, he may not be the only one in trouble of
losing their job as coach Smith is in the final year of his contract.
It would have been easier to ignore Rex's troubles, if Brian Griese wasn’t
playing at such a high level. In fact Brian has been one of the best passers in
preseason. He is finding and utilizing all of his weapons. He has simply been
flawless in running the offense.
Wide receiver Mushin Muhammad is the star of the offense. Muhammad is a
nightmare for corners due to his ability to use his body in shielding defenders
and his break away speed. He is also incredibly strong and once he gets into the
open field, he is difficult to bring down. The remaining receiver positions are
up for grabs but Rashied Davis is quietly putting together a tremendous
preseason.
Bears Defense
The Bears have one of the best front fours in football. They use a variation
of the cover 2 that calls for the line to push left or right and the linebackers
swarm opposite to the defensive line, making a large front where there is little
room for the running back. This is designed to penetrate and make plays at or
behind the line of scrimmage. Tommy Harris will be a tremendous test for the
interior of the offensive line. He is one of the most talented
defensive tackles in football that will feast on any slow footed linemen.
The linebacker unit is equally impressive. Brian Urlacher is one of the best
middle linebackers in the game. He is big, physical and a true playmaker. Brian
makes his living at defeating the block. Expect major collisions between
Urlacher and the Browns' fullbacks.
Outside linebacker Lance Briggs is also emerging as a bright young star of
the Bears defense. He has the unique ability to play through traffic finding the
ball. Lance loves chasing the ball from sideline to sideline and is showing
improved technique in pass coverage. He gets a tremendous jump on the ball and
must be accounted for especially in throwing those running back and tight end
screens.
The weakness of the defense is the secondary. They are vulnerable deep as was
displayed last year by Antonio Bryant. Antonio beat the secondary deep on almost
every single play. Rookie Daniel Manning should help in this area but with most
rookies, there is a learning curve.
Browns Offense
The top position battle to be decided on the offense is the backup
quarterback position. While the Browns were hoping that Ken Dorsey would
solidify himself as the number 2, it has been Derek Anderson that is emerging as
the better option. Anderson has showed improved technique and a comfort level
running the offense. This should be his night to shine as the Browns will likely
give Charlie Frye only one series of play.
The running back battle is heating up. The battle isn't for #1 or even #2.
Those spots are solidified with Reuben Droughns and rookie Jerome Harrison. The
number three back is where the competition resides. William Green, Lee Suggs and
Jason Wright will not only need a solid game running the ball but special teams
play will likely be the deciding factor on which back remains on this team.
At wide receiver the top 5 receivers are set with Braylon Edwards, Dennis Northcutt, Joe Jurevicius and rookie Travis Wilson and special teams ace Josh
Cribbs. The Browns will likely carry 6 receivers making the battle between
Frisman Jackson and Kendrick Mosley one to watch. Jackson has the experience and
has shown flashes of dominance but he has failed to show any consistency. Mosley
has made the most of preseason, providing clutch plays down the stretch
including two big receptions last week.
The Browns offensive line is set at four starting positions. Center is wide
open for anyone to emerge as the starter, as well as the vital backup role. All
other backup spots remain open. Rookie Rob Smith is catching the coach's eye and
could see a great deal of playing time this week.
The Browns have three fullbacks and it will be hard to cut anyone but if
anyone has to go, it could very well be the starting fullback, Terrelle Smith.
Smith is a run blocking force but he is considered very one dimensional. Rookie
Lawrence Vickers is multifunctional with his ability to run the ball in short
yardage situations and also shows great hands receiving the ball. Corey McIntyre
is an excellent blocking fullback but
he is also the Browns best special teams contributor.
Browns Defense
The Bears aren't the only team bolstering a solid defense this year. In the
first half of 3 preseason games, opposing running backs have carried the ball 31
times for a total of 60 yards. This is an incredible statistic when you consider
the Browns' rush defense last year in which they could not stop anyone.
The defensive line is primarily set as the Browns will likely carry only 6
defensive linemen and 5 of those positions appear locked up.
The top linebacker battle is for the starting inside linebacker position,
along side Andra Davis. Chaun Thompson returned from injury last week and was
solid but rookie D'Qwell Jackson has been very impressive in preseason as well
and despite limited time last week, he equaled Thompson's performance.
Safety has been an ongoing battle between Sean Jones and Brodney Pool.
Everyone has an opinion on which player provides the most at this position but
to be quiet honest, both deserve to start. Sean is the safety that is going to
draw most of the one on one cover responsibility. With teams across the league
using multi-receiving sets, it virtually demands that you have a safety with
those skills. Brodney is a playmaker and you can see it anytime he steps on the
field. At some point, these two need to be on the field together. The only thing
Brian Russell has over Jones and Pool is experience, and no one gains experience
sitting on the sidelines.
The corner position, opposite Leigh Bodden, has simply been horrible. The
Browns would get as more production out of this group if they cut the entire lot
and started from scratch. When Gary Baxter returns, this position should become
a team strength but for now it is the team’s most glaring weakness.
Overview
This is an excellent game to watch
as a pure fan of the sport. The Bears have not finished off the preseason with a
victory since 1994, while the Browns are looking to end the preseason on a three
game winning streak. Players understand their careers are on the line and the
intensity level just seems to be cracked up another level. It may only be the
backups playing but it gives both teams a chance to evaluate their depth. This
is vital for two teams that believe they will be playing in January, when that
depth will be tested.