Ten Thoughts on the NFL: Chicago Bears and beyond

1) Thirty two teams in the NFL and fifty three players on each roster equals 1,696 jobs to be claimed before the season starts. I'd wager to guess that just about every one of those roster spots are already accounted for. At most, each team probably has a bubble player or two that they are looking to figure out in the 4th preseason game.

Even with most of the players' fates already sealed, the preseason finale is still important for the fringe players to get themselves on tape. With the practice squad increased to 10 for this season, that's 320 jobs for about 700 players to fight over.

You and I may think the game is about as meaningless as it gets, but for the coaches, scouts and players still fighting for a job around the NFL, the game has meaning.

2) I think the St. Louis Rams will be best served to stick with long time backup Shaun Hill at quarterback now that Sam Bradford is out for the season. The 32 year old Hill hasn't had much action the last three years, but he's an experienced player with 26 starts under his belt. He has 41 touchdowns to 23 interceptions and his career passer rating is a respectable 85.9.

3) And regarding Bradford's injury, unfortunately these things happen. Whether it be preseason, training camp, OTAs, the off season or the regular season, athletes will get hurt getting ready to play. Taking away preseason games will not stop players from getting hurt.

4) I understand why the Minnesota Vikings went with veteran Matt Cassel over rookie Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. Cassel had a very good preseason and with running back Adrian Peterson still at the top of his game, they may as well see what they have as a team in 2014 before turning the franchise over to the rookie.

Once they are out of it though, they need to get the kid some seasoning.

5) Over in Jacksonville it's a different story. They are going with veteran Chad Henne even though he hasn't particularity played that well. I think they should just get rookie quarterback Blake Bortles in there ASAP. The 3rd overall pick has looked very good so far in completing 28 of 44 passes for 435 yards and a TD, with a passer rating of 103.9.

6) Speaking of QBs having a good preseason, Washington's Kirk Cousins is 35 of 54 for 370 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception, with a passer rating of 101.6. Compare that to Robert Griffin III's 13 of 20 for 141 yards, no TDs and 2 picks with a 46.0 rating.

I wonder if RGIII's draft status is keeping him at number one?

7) Peyton Manning showed incredible leadership, toughness and passion by jawing with Texans safety D.J. Swearinger, even though he was flagged for taunting.

"Fifteen yards with five seconds left in the first half -- it can't hurt you that much, right?" Manning said of the flag, per the Houston Chronicle.

Sarcasm aside, I really have no problem with a quarterback doing that from time to time, my issue is with the way the media portrays it differently depending on the QB.

8) Manning was all riled up because of a hit Swearinger laid on Denver receiver Wes Welker. The hit resulted in the third concussion for Welker since last season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the NFL start mandating injured reserve for players that have multiple concussions.

9) Speaking of concussions, I think Chris Conte was on his way to being named the week one starting safety for the Chicago Bears before he suffered his.

10) Have you seen the Brandon Marshall Monday Night Football commercial?

The Bears will be on MFN two times this season. On September 22nd they travel to play the New York Jets and on December 15th they host the New Orleans Saints.

Be sure to sound off on my thoughts and give us some of your own in the comment section.