In a typical NFL preseason, coaches use exhibition games to get their starters “a few reps” at “live speed.” I love training camp jargon.
More than anything, these dress rehearsals determine which players claim spots at the back end of a roster.
This is not a typical August for the Bears. The fate of a coaching staff and the progress of an expensive, enigmatic quarterback learning a complicated system hang in the balance. So when the curtain is raised in San Diego on Saturday night, I’m eager to see if Lovie Smith takes a departure from a formulaic approach in which the primary objective is to escape without injuries.
That league-wide philosophy is part of the reason why so many offenses sputter helplessly in Week 1.
Not much was asked of Jay Cutler or Aaron Rodgers in the preseason a year ago. Last year’s opener in Green Bay was evidence of it. Cutler threw four picks and Rodgers, whose offensive line was dreadful that night, didn’t play well either.
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Smith has made no promises but hinted this week that first-teamers could be busier than in past preseasons. If he backs it up, I’d call that progress for the typically stubborn coach.
I’d be encouraged if all the Bears backed up what they’ve been selling during their 14 days sequestered in Kankakee County. Cutler and Mike Martz have talked about each other like a couple enjoying Phase 1 of their relationship. Brian Urlacher called Julius Peppers the greatest player he’s ever seen. Everybody loves everybody.
So go to San Diego and win the first half. That’s not an unreasonable request.
It’ll be easier to start sipping the Bears’ Kool-Aid if the first-string offense converts on third down and doesn’t have to settle for three when it gets to the red zone.
I want to believe that offensive line coach Mike Tice can transform a revamped group into one that keeps Cutler vertical and knocks defenders backward when the ball is in Matt Forte and Chester Taylor’s hands.
Show us. After three years without sniffing the playoffs, I’m good with Smith stepping on the gas this preseason. I’m not alone in needing immediate gratification.
The Bears staff has to make those decisions on the 52nd and 53rd men after the fourth warm up. Right now, their most pressing concerns are the first 22.
Peppers, the key to the Bears’ season defensively, should make a big splash. Chargers tackle Marcus McNeill, their best offensive lineman, is holding out and San Diego is adjusting to life without LaDainian Tomlinson.
It is perfectly reasonable to set the bar high for the Bears’ defense on Saturday. Peppers, we’re told, changes everything, making life easier for Tommie Harris. Urlacher is back, contending he’s a smarter player whose wrist injury has sharpened his fundamentals.
So go kick some lightning bolts in their back sides. Saving it for Detroit next month would be a mistake.
Dan McNeil hosts “The Danny Mac Show” on WSCR-AM 670 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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