Tag: 2022 preseason

The Morning After…the Bears’ preseason win vs. Browns

Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts about Saturday’s preseason win against the Browns.

The Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-20 on Saturday night, and there was plenty to be encouraged by in the preseason finale.

Chicago’s starters played for most of the first half — easily their most significant action of the preseason — and both the starting offense and defense impressed. But this was the kind of performance that quarterback Justin Fields called “a turning point” for the offense heading into their season opener.

There was plenty to breakdown following Chicago’s preseason win over Cleveland. Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts on the preseason finale, including what stood out.

The Bears’ preseason win vs. Browns

‘It’s surreal’: UDFA safety Markquese Bell on cusp of making Cowboys roster after big night

Dan Quinn wanted 3 weeks “in the lab” to see what Markquese Bell had. Right on schedule, Bell showed the world with a big night vs Seattle. | From @ToddBrock24f7

When Markquese Bell thinks back on his first interception at the NFL level, the memory will play out in slow motion.

Because it unfolded that way in real life.

The undrafted rookie safety snagged one of four Cowboys picks on Friday in the team’s preseason finale versus Seattle, but Bell had an extra second or two to think about it while the ball was in the air.

Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock’s third quarter pass bounced off the pads of wide receiver Aaron Fuller and then practically went into orbit. Cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Bell both converged on the ball as it tumbled back to earth; Bell hopped up to meet it and kept on running, racing 30-some yards before being dragged to the turf.

The pick played out just as Cowboys passer Dak Prescott was giving a sideline interview, coincidentally talking at that moment about the team’s young players stepping up to contribute when needed this season.

The timing almost seemed scripted, it was so perfect.

But Bell said later that he was just worried about ensuring the potentially star-making moment didn’t turn into a blooper.

“I’m looking at the ball in the air,” the 23-year-old recalled after the 27-26 win. “The ball was so big. I’m like, ‘Don’t drop it.’ Once I got it in my hands, I was just trying to score with it. I was just blessed to have the opportunity, [to] get out on the field and make a play.”

Bell has made plenty of plays since joining the Cowboys in the spring. He made a quick reputation in camp as a hard hitter who also has a nose for the ball.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn loved his multi-skilled qualities coming out of Florida A&M.

“I was really pushing to get him drafted as a linebacker,” Quinn recalled earlier in August, “and then when we selected a linebacker, I said, ‘This guy will make a hell of a safety.'”

Quinn joked then that he needed three weeks “in the lab” with Markquese to find out what he is truly capable of on a football field. Exactly three weeks and two days later, Bell showed it versus Seattle.

He even made NFL analyst Brian Baldinger a fan.

“He throws his whole shoulder in there, puts his body into it. Excellent tackler,” the ex-Cowboy said in a Twitter breakdown of the Seattle game.

“This kid’s got something to him,”Baldinger went on. “He’s a player.”

Bell seems a lock to make the team, the latest hybrid player on a Dallas defense that seems to be mass-producing them under Quinn.

But there is still the matter of officially surviving final cuts. The New Jersey native isn’t taking it for granted, admitting he’s just trying to enjoy every moment of this journey with America’s Team.

“It’s surreal,” Bell said. “I’m still like, ‘I’m here.’ I wear a star on my shirt every day. Like, ‘I’m on the Cowboys right now.’ You’ve still got to get used to it.”

It sure looks like Bell will have that chance when the roster is announced on Tuesday.

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Justin Fields calls performance vs. Browns a ‘turning point’ for Bears offense

The Bears offense was impressive in their preseason finale against the Browns, which has QB Justin Fields feeling encouraged.

The Chicago Bears’ starting offense recorded their best performance of the preseason in Saturday’s 21-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

After a rocky first series, the Bears offense responded with three touchdown drives, where they were in a nice rhythm and executed Luke Getsy’s offense the way it’s intended to be run.

It was the kind of performance that quarterback Justin Fields called “a turning point” for the offense heading into Week 1’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

“Definitely a turning point,” Fields said. “We can just build on this and go into next week and get better and prepare for San Fran in two weeks.”

The Bears scored three touchdowns in the first half — 7 plays, 80 yards; 5 plays, 52 yards; and 8 plays, 62 yards. Fields connected on touchdowns to tight ends Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin and wide receiver Dante Pettis.

Running back David Montgomery picked up where he left off last season, Fields was sharp and his pass catchers were reliable and Luke Getsy’s play calling was solid. Not too bad for a vanilla offense in the preseason.

Fields was a big part of the offense’s success, and he had a near-perfect outing against the Browns. He completed 14-of-16 passes for 156 yards with three touchdowns for a 146.9 passer rating. He showed poise, mobility, and accuracy while executing Getsy’s offense well.

“This was game-like experience for him that he needed to have,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “And he took a big step forward for him and for our football team. Just getting comfortable, operating the offense, doing his thing — I thought he did that tonight.”

Chicago’s offense will face a tall order against San Francisco, who is expected to be among the NFL’s best defenses with playmakers Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford and Javon Kinlaw among others.

But it sounds like the Bears offense finally turned a corner they’ve been trying to get by since the start of the offseason program.

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Bears LB Roquan Smith felt ‘some tightness’ before preseason game vs. Browns

Bears HC Matt Eberflus said Roquan Smith was held out of the preseason finale after feeling “some tightness” in warm-ups.

The Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-20 on Saturday night to end the preseason a perfect 3-0. It was all the more encouraging considering Chicago’s starters played the first half, including quarterback Justin Fields.

But one starter who didn’t suit up against the Browns was star linebacker Roquan Smith, who called off his “hold-in” last week. Head coach Matt Eberflus said earlier in the week that Smith was expected to play in the preseason finale. But Smith wasn’t in uniform during warm-ups.

After the game, Eberflus told reporters that Smith felt “some tightness” during pre-game, which is why the team opted to hold him out. With his hold-in and “tightness,” Smith missed the entire preseason.

Still, Eberflus isn’t concerned about Smith getting no preseason reps.

“No. This guy’s a good player, real good player, and he’s played a lot of football,” Eberflus said. “…It’s like (Robert Quinn). They’ll be ready to go.”

Other notable starters who didn’t play against the Browns included defensive end Robert Quinn, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Eddie Jackson and safety Jaquan Brisker.

Brisker is sidelined with a thumb injury. Meanwhile, Eberflus explained Johnson had some tightness, Jackson is day-to-day and Quinn was just a healthy scratch.

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Best photos from the Bears’ preseason win vs. Browns

The Bears defeated the Browns 21-20 to finish the preseason 3-0. Take a look at the action:

The Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-20 to finish the preseason undefeated at 3-0.

It was significant given the Bears’ starters played the first half and were responsible for all three touchdown drives. There were encouraging signs from both the starting offense and defense, including quarterback Justin Fields’ near-perfect evening.

Here’s a look at the best photos from Chicago’s preseason win over Cleveland:

Bear Necessities: Chicago’s offense ended the preseason on a high note

The Bears offense had their best performance of the preseason against the Browns, which is exactly what they needed heading into Week 1.

This is our online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.

Saturday’s preseason finale against the Browns couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for the Bears’ starting offense.

After Chicago’s defense forced a three-and-out, the Bears offense responded with a three-and-out on a drive that netted -1 yards. There were vibes from last season’s infamous Browns game — offensive line struggles and all.

Then something amazing happened: Chicago executed an efficient 7-play, 80-yard scoring drive that resulted in a Justin Fields to Ryan Griffin 22-yard touchdown. On the next drive, the Bears scored another touchdown — this one a Fields to Dante Pettis 12-yard score. Chicago’s starters wrapped their preseason with a 8-play, 62-yard scoring drive where Fields connected with Cole Kmet on a 24-yard touchdown.

“I think it’s just execution on all parts,” Fields said. “I think the O-line did a great job protecting today, I told them that multiple times. The receivers did a great job with scramble drill just running the right routes, the right depth and stuff like that. So again just protection-wise, running the football and that’ll open everything up with our play-action and bootleg plays.”

It was easily the best performance by the Bears’ offense this preseason, and we caught a glimpse of how exciting this offense can be this season.

While Chicago didn’t face the likes of Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney, they executed Luke Getsy’s offense the way it’s supposed to be — passing and running game included. It was exactly the outing this new-look offense needed heading into the regular season.

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Studs and duds from Bears’ preseason win vs. Browns

We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears’ preseason win over the Browns.

The Chicago Bears ended the preseason with a 21-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Chicago finished the preseason undefeated for the first time since 1994, a year where they also advanced to the postseason.

The Bears starters saw significant action in the first half, which was huge for Chicago’s starting offense. After a poor start, the Bears offense scored three touchdowns — all touchdown passes from quarterback Justin Fields — and we caught a glimpse of what this Luke Getsy offense could look like.

Chicago’s starting defense — minus Roquan Smith, Robert Quinn, Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson — had a strong outing against Cleveland. While they didn’t bring in any sacks, they played clean football and generated takeaways.

For one last time this preseason, we’re taking a look at the studs and duds from Chicago’s win over Cleveland.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 21-20 preseason win vs. Browns

The Bears wrapped the preseason with a 21-20 victory over the Browns, where QB Justin Fields had a near-perfect outing.

The Bears traveled to Cleveland for their final preseason game Saturday against the Browns, winning 21-20 to improve to 3-0.

The game’s highlight was quarterback Justin Fields going 14-of-16 for 156 yards and three touchdowns. But most importantly, he wasn’t sacked during the offensive series he played.

Fields threw touchdowns to tight ends Cole Kmet, Ryan Griffin, and wide receiver Dante Pettis. It was a great look at what we had heard about the Luke Getsy offense. Fields was on the move, using his legs to press the defense and make throws. We also saw the role tight ends might play in this offense.

Defensively, the Bears looked great, holding the Browns to six points in the first half. Browns interim starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was held to 109 yards and one interception on 13-of-23 passing. As a result, fans in Cleveland expecting the playoffs with Deshaun Watson might be waiting until 2023.

The defense finished with zero sacks, but true to the Eberflus system, generated takeaways, and committed no penalties in the first half.

After a great preseason, the Bears now have to cut 27 players to get to their final 53-man roster by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT. Then, the San Francisco 49ers come to town on Sept. 11 at Noon for Week 1 of the NFL season.

While Vegas projected the Bears to be one of the worst teams in the league, it’s hard to temper expectations following this preseason and the performance by Fields. With expectations this low, the Bears could surprise a few people.

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Bears vs. Browns: Everything we know about the Bears’ preseason finale win

The Bears finish the preseason undefeated, beating the Browns 21-20 on Saturday evening. We break down the game here:

The preseason has come to an end for the Chicago Bears and they leave with an undefeated record. The Bears held on to defeat the Cleveland Browns 21-20 to finish the preseason 3-0. Head coach Matt Eberflus had his starters play for most of the first half and they put on a show.

Quarterback Justin Fields was masterful, throwing three touchdowns to account for all of Chicago’s points. He threw passes to tight ends Ryan Griffin and Cole Kmet, as well as wide receiver Dante Pettis. He missed just two passes on the day and showed out at the place where it all went wrong during his regular season debut last year.

The Browns didn’t give up, however, and hit a pair of field goals to trim the lead to 21-6 at the end of the first half. Then things got dicey beginning in the fourth quarter when reserve quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs and Josh Rosen each scored to bring the Browns within one point. Instead of kicking the extra point on the final score, however, the Browns elected to try and take the lead with a two-point conversion that failed.

The offense looked impressive, the defense was stifling, and most important, there were no major injuries as the Bears get ready for the regular season. Here’s everything we know at the conclusion of the preseason.

WATCH: Justin Fields connects with Cole Kmet for Bears’ third TD vs. Browns

The Bears’ starting offense closed the preseason on a strong note with their third touchdown drive vs. Browns.

The Chicago Bears’ starting offense closed the preseason on a strong note with their third touchdown drive in Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

The offense mounted an 8-play, 62 yard scoring drive that culminated in 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Fields to tight end Cole Kmet to put Chicago up 21-0 in the second quarter. It was Fields’ third touchdown pass of the night and his second to a tight end.

It was another efficient drive for the Bears offense, which included some nice completions from Fields and a fourth down conversion that led to the touchdown.

The Bears’ starting offense is done for the night, and they finished with 200 yards and three touchdown drives.

Fields went 14-of-16 for 156 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a passer rating of 146.9. He also had 2 rushes for 11 yards.