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The final preseason game of 2010 is actually very important for the Chicago Bears. The game is very important for those on the back end of the roster. We know that Jay Cutler will not play. We know that Todd Collins will start, and since we haven't seen him yet, he'll play a lot. Caleb Hanie will also sit this one out. For a comprehensive breakdown of the rest of the roster, go here.
Game is at 7pm CT on FOX.
Quick Numbers:
75: Number of players currently on the Bears roster.
53: Number of players who will be on the roster Saturday afternoon.
ZERO: Number of plays Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie will play.
Off the Charts: Anxiety level for most Bear fans.
Key Injuries:
BEARS: Caleb Hanie-shoulder, Earl Bennett-hamstring, Craig Steltz-ankle, Josh Bullocks-quad, Lance Briggs-ankle, Brian Urlacher-calf, Hunter Hillenmeyer-illness (didn't make trip to Cleveland.)
BROWNS: Montario Hardesty-knee, but should play for the first time.
When Cleveland Has the Ball:
Jake Delhomme is their quarterback, Seneca Wallace is the backup, so the secondary should get some opportunities to make plays on the ball if they were playing...they are not. That leaves Colt McCoy as the starter. Even better. Jerome Harrison is a nice back. He will test the defense. Chris Harris needs to improve his tackling and this gives him an opportunity to do just that, assuming he plays much.
Key Matchup: If this was the regular season, then a Julius Peppers vs Joe Thomas battle would be epic. They might go against each other for 1 series though.
X-Factor: Bears defensive players on the bubble: Josh Bullocks, Tim Jennings, Josh Moore, Al Afalava, Henry Melton, Jarron Gilbert, Marcus Harrison, Corey Wootton, Brian Iwuh, Kevin Malast, Tim Shaw.
When Chicago Has the Ball:
The Todd Collins Show debuts Thursday night. Does he have anything left? Will he be a capable #2? Will the offensive line protect him...at all?
Kahlil Bell vs. Garrett Wolfe...2 men enter, 1 man leaves.
Key Matchup: When the Bears punt or kickoff, the Bears special teams vs. Josh Cribbs is the matchup to watch. The Bears special teams haven't performed up to expectations, so going up against Cribbs is a great test (assuming Cribbs plays at all).
X-Factor: Bears offensive players on the bubble: Garrett Wolfe, Kahlil Bell, Dan LeFevour, J'marcus Webb, Johan Asiata, James Marten, Juaquin Iglesias.