(670 The Score) The Bears improved to 2-0 in preseason action by earning a 27-11 win over the Seahawks on Thursday evening at Lumen Field.
Here are the takeaways from the Bears’ second of three exhibition games.
Progress on offense
The Bears' plan was for second-year quarterback Justin Fields and their starting offense to play around 10 snaps Thursday.
As it turned out, Fields and the Bears’ starters worked exactly 10 plays – all coming on an opening 52-yard drive that ended with kicker Cairo Santos' 35-yard field goal. It marked a step forward for the Bears’ starting unit, which failed to produce points during their preseason opener against the Chiefs last Saturday.
Fields was 5-of-7 for 39 yards in his limited action, including two completions to top tight end Cole Kmet that totaled 31 yards. While the Bears' starting offense remained shorthanded – running back David Montgomery, receiver Byron Pringle, receiver N’Keal Harry and center Lucas Patrick were all out – Fields guided this group well in its lone possession.
Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy also offered a glimpse at how he plans to utilize Fields’ mobility on a designed rollout to the left side that set up a 19-yard completion to Kmet.
Down at linebacker
Chicago star linebacker Roquan Smith traveled with the team to Seattle for the game despite his continued contract hold-in.
From the Bears’ perspective, having Smith travel keeps him engaged while they continue to retain leverage in long-term contract negotiations. But the Bears suffered a pair of injuries at linebacker Thursday that reminded of how how much they need Smith.
Veteran linebacker Matthew Adams, who's filling a larger role with Smith on the sideline, suffered a shoulder injury during the first quarter. The Bears have been counting on Adams to play an important role in new coach Matt Eberflus’ defense, one he’s familiar with after spending four seasons with Eberflus in Indianapolis. Adams' injury could be especially costly with Smith still not practicing.
The Bears also lost reserve linebacker and key special teams player Caleb Johnson to a knee injury during the second quarter. Johnson was listed as third on the depth chart behind Smith and Adams.
Moving forward, the Bears can't afford any more attrition at linebacker.
Challenging decision
On a third-and-8 with 10:01 left in the second quarter, Bears backup quarterback Trevor Siemian scrambled around after a bad snap and appeared to connect with receiver Isaiah Coulter on a desperation pass. The play was ruled incomplete, and the Bears didn't elect to challenge. They punted instead.
After the preseason opener Saturday, Eberflus praised the Bears’ clean coaching operation – specifically the communication that led to managing in-game decisions like a successful challenge. This time around, it was curious why Eberflus and the Bears didn't challenge.
That’s something for Eberflus and the Bears to self-scout and evaluate moving forward. After all, that’s what the preseason is for.
Straight hustle
From the time he was hired in late January, Eberflus has stated his players better be ready to run. Get your track shoes on, he told the players.
The Bears’ hustle and effort has been clear in their first two preseason games. Offensive linemen are finishing their blocks downfield. Players are sprinting to the football on each play. It’s evidence that the Bears are buying in to what Eberflus is selling early on.
Three phases
While it was only a preseason game, there was something to be said for how the Bears played Thursday. The Bears traveled a long way on a short week and played a clean football game in all three phases, save for an ugly final five minutes that included a muffed punt.
The Bears committed just three penalties and avoided the kind of glaring errors that often come in the preseason. The film study will be enjoyable back at Halas Hall.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker