The Chicago Bears host the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight, the lone game of the evening. Both teams are coming off of preseason wins, and still with a lot to prove. Here are several things to watch for tonight.
Chicago's Quarterbacks
Last week, while hosting Philadelphia, Chicago played 4 different QB's, each 3 of them putting together solid performances. Jay Cutler, of course, started, going 9 of 13 for 85 yards and a TD. Jordan Palmer played the second quarter, completing 8 of 11 passes for 104 yards, and a TD. Jimmy Clausen started the 2nd half, throwing 7 of 13 for 150 yards and 2 TDs. David Fales, the rookie out of San Jose State, finished he game going 5 of 7 for 68 yards and an INT. Watch Chicago's QB's tonight, and see if they can repeat another strong performance against the weaker Jaguars defense.
Chicago's Running Backs
Yes folks, moving right down the line to Chicago's RB's. They simply sucked last Friday, combining 30 carries for 74 yards... Almost 2 and a half yards per carry. Matt Forte failed to get past the LOS, and highly praised RB Ka'Deem Carey took a team high 10 runs for just 23 yards. Yes, they struggled a lot, and here they go. They need to improve a lot. Can they show better skills against the Jaguars?
*TE Zach Miller*
Chicago hit high with the Former Jaguar TE Zach Miller moving to the number 2 TE spot, playing with the first and second teams last Friday, and picking up 6 catches for 68 yards and 2 TD's. He was simply excelling in the TE spot, after being an H-Back type in Jacksonville, and looks like a huge steal for the Bears in Free Agency. The question is will he keep up those numbers?
*QB Blake Bortles*
Bortles looked simply impressive in his first action hosting the Buccaneers in Jacksonville. He was 7 of 11 for 117 yards, plus a designed run play that gained 7 yards. He fired passes accurately downfield in between defenders and looked overall very impressive. Gus Bradley promised that the 3rd overall pick will get some first team snaps over the course of the summer, so will this be one? Will he continue to look impressive and make a run to beat Chad Henne out for the starting job?
*RB Toby Gerheart*
Toby is expected to play tonight for the first time in a Jaguar uniform. He returned to practice on Tuesday after rehabbing from a hip injury. He is an explosive RB, with power and talent. Will this injury tie him down, or can he start on an impressive note?
Jaguars Defense
Jacksonville's defense looks much better then they did last season, and now they're generating pressure. 3 players, including newly acquired Chris Clemens, recorded sacks in action against the Buccaneers. Winston Guy, the former Seattle Seahawk, intercepted Josh McCown, and SLB rookie and expected starter Chris Smith strip sacked McCown. They look much better, and are a sure-fire must watch tonight.
Overall
The overall message is that this is the start of week 2, and we have some great players to keep an eye on. This is another good game, another good match-up. One team will come out of here 1-1, and don't be surprised if it is the Bears and not the Jaguars. Jacksonville is the team to beat this preseason.
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