Fire Ryan Poles | Fire Ben Johnson

Brett Rypien – I know. I gave this guy a lot of shit. But he did seem to try hard and play well albeit against bums. Maybe he will be on the practice squad.

Keith Randolph Jr. – Not much of a surprise. But I wanted him to get a chance because he played at Illinois and kicked ass. It didn’t seem he had a chance this preseason. Hopefully he will be on the practice squad.

As of this writing according to the website Bears Wire, they still have nine spots to cut. Updates will be in the comment section.

An up-to-date list of cuts can be found here:

I really want to believe this will be different. I want to believe that new defensive coordinator Eric Washington gets it. That these blitz packages can work when the games count. That the players are actually covering receivers and it’s resulting in takeaways like we saw tonight. If only these games did count.

I want to believe that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron gets it. That the team will run the ball when they only need a yard. That he will put the offense in a position to succeed rather than fail like this team has the last 30 years.

Tyson Bagent and Mark Rypien both played well. Bagent should be the backup. If Rypien stays, whatever. I still think the guy sucks. But if he’s the third-stringer, fine with me. He’s played very well this preseason. But again, “Caleb Hanie Syndrome” is a real thing.

We’ve seen the Bears play like world-beaters during the preseason in the past. I know I’ve said that before and it “bears” repeating.

It all starts for real in just over two weeks against the Titans at home.

The starters won’t play in this one. So the focus should be on the backup quarterbacks and how they fare.  Expect Bagent and Rypien to play most of this game. What else is there to look for?

I know. Maybe it does feel different. At the same time, we’ve seen bum teams dominate the preseason only to look like complete ass when the games counted. Even I had some excitement watching this.

Caleb Williams – I really do believe I’ve never seen a quarterback for the Bears throw passes that give you the feeling that you had when you got laid for the first time in life. That pass to Odunze down the sideline was insane. And even though it wasn’t a touchdown, that pass he threw in the endzone would have been a touchdown had Odunze been a few inches up. Regardless, he played the first half and looked pretty good after the first two series. That touchdown scramble was spectacular. This is encouraging.

Defense – Kyler Gordon showed up to play. Too bad the game didn’t mean anything. I still feel he has a lot to prove. Again, I am trying to preach calm here. But it appears that defensive coordinator Eric Washington is someone who enjoys blitzing and that was a success in this game. It’s how Gordon was able to sack Logan Woodside with ease.

Tyson Bagent – He deserves this praise. Two touchdown passes in the third quarter was fun to see.

Brett Rypien – This guy is begging to stay on the roster by tearing it up against third stringers. If he is the third stringer, I can live with that.

One preseason game remains and it’s this Thursday against the Chefs. Not sure if the starters will play in this one. But again, another quarter could help them.

Preseason game number three is here. The starters will be in again. Let’s see how Caleb Williams does for an encore. I would like the first unit to play at least into the second quarter. This team needs time to see how they play together in live games before they matter.

Late to the recap. I watched nearly the entire first half live and had to watch the rest after work.

We’ve been here before. The Bears are firing on all cylinders in the preseason. They looked dominant on defense today. But when the regular season starts, the switch is flipped in the wrong direction. So we have to remain calm on this thing and see how it plays out in the regular season.

Caleb Williams – He looked amazing. I was trying to tell myself “have I ever seen someone on the Bears throw a pass like that?” I am not getting excited just yet. But I am praying this dude is the answer and one who can do well despite being held back by incompetent coaches. When it came to the first drive, I didn’t have an issue with the run on 3rd and 1. That’s what actual offensive coordinators should do. It was shitty execution by the offensive line for not helping Khalil Herbert get that one yard. I’d do it again. Two field goals on two drives like that to start the game was very Bears-ish.

Offensive line – I’ve been out of the loop with all the players in general. But I understand that the offensive line could already be in shambles due to Nate Davis having something wrong his entire tenure with the team. So who is there? Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Ryan Bates, Darnell Wright and whoever else doesn’t sound pleasing. After checking the depth chart, it’s more terrifying. I don’t know who is out there. But this team can’t succeed on offense unless the line is not only healthy, but great.

Defense – Well, they held the fort down and a pick six by practice squad player Micah Baskerville. Good work. And what’s more shocking is that they didn’t give a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Progress?

Velus Jones – Mr. Butterfingers needs to take his shitty hands somewhere else.

Tyson Bagent – MY FRENDT

Up next: Another noon start against the Bengals next Saturday.

Well, here we are. Caleb Williams will play a few snaps. Should be more (like a quarter at least).

There may be a recap later on. I’ll be busy today with work and other stuff.

I’ve really been behind on what’s going on with practices and injuries that are all but expected with this team. I understand that the offensive line is still in shambles. This is going to be lovely.

What’s more lovely is that the man who has had two seasons to prove his worth in Velus Jones is still on the team. This is a guy who can’t seem to hold onto a ball nor run a proper route whenever he’s on the field. The latest is that he is now being tried out at running back. I don’t know how or where he will fit as the Bears have a log jam of running backs already.

I felt this guy should have been cut his rookie year. If he somehow shocks the world and turns shit around by becoming a competent football player, then I’ll gladly eat my words here. But I just don’t see it.

I won’t waste too much time on this. But a few notes to discuss.

It was very appropriate that the defense gave up a touchdown on the first drive of the game. That is definitely par for the course. I found it amusing.

What’s also apporpriate is that a shitty quarterback someone looks like Joe Montana in the preseason for the Bears. It appears that Brett Rypien is on his way to win the “Caleb Hanie Award” for best preseason quarterback. 11/15 for 166 yards and three touchdowns? I think he threw more touchdowns in this game than he’s thrown in his career. Incredible.

I look forward to seeing wide receiver Collin Johnson getting more playing time in the preseason.

I wanted to see Austin Reed play and actually missed his two passes because the tacos I had earlier in the night sent me to the toilet for a considerable amount of time. Maybe next game.

Next up is a noon kickoff against the Bills a week from Saturday.

Oh, yes. On the 16th birthday of this website where many have come and gone, the Bears are going to disgrace us with their presence in the preseason opener.

Usually, I have a separate thread for this. But I wanted to thank the few who still roam this place. It does get more lively when the regular season actually starts. We’ve seen everything here from championships to the worst seasons ever. But regardless, you showing up is appreciated.

Enjoy this shitty game tonight.