The Weekend Bears Den: August 09, 2014 - Chicago Bears training camp & preseason news and notes

Bears open preseason with victory - Larry Mayer: Jay Cutler looked sharp and the defense played takeaway against the top-rated QB in the NFL last season in Friday night's 34-28 preseason-opening win over the Eagles.

Game review - Jeff Dickerson's five things we learned in the preseason opener: TEs rose to the occasion, talent at CB and D-Line, special teams and McClellin struggle.

Bennett suspension shouldn't be prolonged - Michael C. Wright: Bears need Martellus Bennett back in the fold as quickly as possible as they work to improve on what last year was one of the best offenses in the NFL. Moon Mullin: Reports of Bennett being forced out of Cowboys, Giants not true.

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Chicago Bears 34 - Philadelphia Eagles 28

Larry Mayer's Game Blog - Larry with key moments as the Bears edge the Eagles 34-28 in the preseason opener. Answers pregame questions from fans.

Game report - James Neveau: Jimmy Clausen threw for 150 yards and two TDs, and Zach Miller snagged two TD receptions as the Bears knocked off the Eagles 34-28.

Game report - Rich Campbell: D-line fine in 34-28 exhibition victory as Bears force four Eagles turnovers, but give up ball three times themselves.

Game report - Andrew Seligman: QBs look sharp, Bears beat Eagles 34-28. Bears D rattles Foles early.

A fine D-line lifts Bears in preseason opener - Mark Potash: Even without Jared Allen, the front of Young, Ratliff, Paea and Houston was the clear victor as the first-team defense forced a turnover and a punt in two possessions.

D-line will determine Bears' success - Brad Biggs: It remains to be seen if Emery will achieve results like he did with O-line; if the first exhibition is a small indication, they're headed in the right direction.

Bears linebacker shuffling features some new twists - Moon Mullin: If coaches go simply with starting their three best LBs, Bostic and Williams appeared to be ahead of a still-struggling McClellin.

Offense sharp in opener - Michael C. Wright: In 16 snaps, the first-team offense appeared to basically pick up where it left off from 2013's record-breaking campaign.

Miller leads Bears with two TDs - Jeff Dickerson: Zach Miller last played in a meaningful NFL game in 2011, but if Friday night's performance is any indicator, that streak may be on the verge of ending.

Game review - Bob LeGere: All the Bears' QBs looked good in the preseason-opening shootout with the Eagles Friday night at Soldier Field.

[Video] View from the Moon - Moon Mullin on Cutler: "He really showed control."

Game review - Hub Arkush: Bears show flashes vs. Eagles; starters shine while subs struggle.

Game review - Not-Hub Fishbain: What we learned in preseason opener. Safety, linebacker competitions still wide open.

Game review - Chris Boden with the good, the bad, and the ugly from last night's game.

Game review - Adam Hoge: Zach Miller steals the show; special teams struggle; Clausen slightly ahead in QB2 battle; injury news and more observations.

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Chris Williams shows game-breaking ability on a 73-yard TD reception; backup QBs fared well; penalties a concern for Trestman; special teams struggle.

Game notes - Dan Wiederer: Ryan Mundy picks off pass for good start; injury notes and more observations from the game.

Game notes - Chris Emma: Zach Miller makes his mark; special teams sub-par; O-line depth tested.

Game notes - Bob LeGere: Ola views preseason opportunity as audition; Briggs on how training camp has changed; Bears QBs still enjoying having big targets.

Game notes - Michael C. Wright: Reserve TEs step up; backup QBs and the defense have strong outings; injury news.

Rookie Roundup: Bears newcomers impress in NFL debut - Scott Krinch: First chance for coaches to see what kind of progress the team's 2014 rookie class has made since the start of training camp.

Bears quotes - ChicagoBears.com: Thoughts from Jay Cutler and Ryan Mundy.

[Video] Highlights and photos of the game from ChicagoBears.com; photos from the Tribune; [Video] highlights from NFL.com.

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Backup QB battle

Strong night for Bears QBs in preseason opening win - Adam L. Jahns: The fight to be Cutler’s right-hand man wasn’t won by Palmer or Clausen on Friday night, but both looked better than the beloved player they’re competing to replace did in his Bucs debut.

No clear victor emerges in Bears backup QB battle - Dan Wiederer: Both players had their moments but also predictable flashes of indecision and inconsistency from both contenders, reminders of the inexperience behind Cutler.

Clausen, Palmer raise bar in competition for No. 2 QB - Moon Mullin: Both Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer provided sparks in their competition to back up Jay Cutler in an offense that amassed 491 total yards and 34 points.

Game review - Not-Hubs Arnold, Arkush: Clausen impressive on TD throws; Palmer inconsistent; Q1 breakdown.

Crisp Clausen commands confidence - Jon Greenberg: Jimmy Clausen showed he can throw a little bit -- at least against third- and fourth-stringers.

Similar story for Bears QBs: Some good, some bad - Not-Hub Arnold: On a night when the Bears racked up 491 yards of total offense, the backup QBs experienced varying levels of success in their first showing against live competition.

Clausen-to-Spurlock connection comes through for Bears - Not-Hub Fishbain: While Clausen has a better chance to make the team at this point than Michael Spurlock, his throws helped the veteran make a nice impression on Friday night.

Sun-Times Bears section here.

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