Windy City Gridiron - 2014 Preseason Week 4: Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns Story RoundupA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2014-08-29T09:56:41-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/58422822014-08-29T09:56:41-05:002014-08-29T09:56:41-05:00Who impressed: Bears Roster Bubble & Cuts
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<figcaption>Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears wrapped up the preseason last night and gave the back end of the roster a final chance to impress, by not having any starters or the majority of the second-stringers even take to the field. With everything to play for, young players and a few veterans vying for the final roster spots got a chance to impress. Who took advantage of it? Check here all day as we update you on who gets cut.</p> <p>The preseason is officially in the books and, before full attention turns to the regular season opener a week from Sunday against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>, teams must make their final roster cuts.</p>
<p>Cuts will begin today as teams need to go from 75 to 53 by Saturday at 3 p.m. CST. The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> will no doubt do the same, as 22 players to cut is quite a number. The Bears likely know for the most part whom they want to keep, but a few performances last night might help them make up their minds or solidify what they know.</p>
<p>The players that I'm pointing out are not necessarily going to make the team, these are just guys that caught my eye and should be commended. Some, or most, probably will make the team or the practice squad. The final roster may or may not actually be set until the early part of next week because once other players are released, maybe the Bears decide to bring a guy in.</p>
<p><b><span>Santonio Holmes</span>: </b>The Bears newcomer had a strong performance in the preseason finale despite catching only one pass. He took that one catch, though, and turned it around to outrun the defense for a 32-yard score. He also returned a punt 30 yards. He greatly helped his chances of sticking around.</p>
<p><b><span>Chris Williams</span>: </b>Not a strong receiving game for Williams, who caught only two of three targets for 16 yards, but he averaged 27 yards on kick returns and showed good patience and burst on his 29 yard return.</p>
<p><b><span>David Fales</span>: </b>The sixth-round draft pick was up and down, starting strong by going 11 of 17 for 129 yards, 1 TD and a 107.2 rating. His second half was much more of a letdown with an interception, but he should be recognized for performing against Cleveland's first and second string defense while he was playing with the 3's and 4's. His second half was 2 of 7 for 17 yards and the INT.</p>
<p><b><span>Josh Bellamy</span>:</b> The Bears appear to have a lot more options at WR than Bellamy, but perhaps he has some practice squad eligibility left. He caught four passes for 78 yards against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a>.</p>
<p><b><span>Christian Jones</span>:</b> The linebacker was credited with three solo tackles and an assist in the final ESPN box score, but had a <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/505157796007264256">couple</a> of <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/505169847186391041">key</a> blocks on special teams. Jones' special teams abilities will be key in earning an active roster spot.</p>
<p><b><span>David Bass</span>: </b>The second-year DE kicked inside for a couple of plays at DT, and was credited with the team's only sack and one of the team's two QB hits.</p>
<p>Who stood out to you? Do you think anyone earned or lost a roster spot last night? Stick around all day as we update you on any cuts that come through.</p>
<p><b>Editor's Note: </b>Treat this as an open thread, if you need to, and enjoy.</p>
<h3>CUTS & SOURCES</h3>
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<p>Bears cut <span class="sbn-auto-link">Rob Turner</span>, according to a source</p>
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/statuses/505390860474015745">August 29, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have informed TE Jeron Mastrud he will be released.</p>
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/statuses/505401445899067392">August 29, 2014</a>
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<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> will release WR Armanti Edwards</p>&mdash; Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/statuses/505419669142917120">August 29, 2014</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have informed local product and NIU standout <span class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Lynch</span> he will be placed on waivers.</p>&mdash; Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/statuses/505414230749634560">August 29, 2014</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>You can find our story on Lynch's release <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/29/6083859/chicago-bears-2014-roster-cuts-bears-release-rb-jordan-lynch">here</a>.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/29/6081187/2014-chicago-bears-nfl-roster-cuts-bubble-players-who-impressed-live-update-holmes-williams-falesSam Householder2014-08-28T20:41:25-05:002014-08-28T20:41:25-05:00Bears at Browns Second Half Open Thread
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<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears trail the Browns by 4 at the half.</p> <p><span>David Fales</span> at the half:</p>
<p>11/17</p>
<p>129 yards</p>
<p>1 TD</p>
<p>That's not so bad, as he saw the Cleveland first string defense for a while. <span>Johnny Manziel</span> is running all over the place , but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> have held him to 1 TD, and 1 FG since he's been in the game.</p>
<p>Some random thoughts:</p>
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<li><span><span>Santonio Holmes</span> probably made this team today.</span></li>
<li><span>Will the second half be the <span>Jordan Lynch</span> show?</span></li>
<li><span><span>Josh Bellamy</span> really wants to be on this team.</span></li>
<li><span>I had three seconds left in this fantasy draft, and accidentally drafted <span>Stevan Ridley</span>. Is there some kind of fantasy shame tower I should be in?</span></li>
<li><span>Some other guy drafted <span>Matt Prater</span>.</span></li>
<li><span>No one read or cared about the last two points.</span></li>
<li><span>Hurst probably didn't get himself very far with that dumb penalty.</span></li>
<li><span>Seriously, Santonio Holmes probably just made this team</span></li>
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<p>Stick with us for the rest of the game, and Schweicks will have a recap for you afterwards. Have fun, and Bear Down.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/28/6081043/preseason-week-4-bears-at-browns-2nd-half-live-update-blog-scoreKev H2014-08-28T18:45:37-05:002014-08-28T18:45:37-05:00Bears at Browns Q1 Open Thread
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<figcaption>Pictured: Jay Cutler. (Not playing) | Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears take on the Browns, and everyone else takes on everyone else in this last game before the Regular Season. </p> <p>The real thing begins next Thursday, with the Packers (hopefully) losing to the Seahawks.</p>
<p>Until then, this nonsense will have to tide us over.</p>
<p>Rookie quarterback David Fales leads the Chicago Bears to Cleveland to take on Hoyer, Manziel, and the rest of the Dawg pound.</p>
<p>Some questions to ask:</p>
<p>Can Fales play his way into the 2nd QB slot? (No)</p>
<p>Will the Bears attempt to make the Browns offense look really good? (Probably)</p>
<p>Will the fourth quarter of this game be the longest stretch of football this year? (Most definitely)</p>
<p>Hang out with us below as we talk about this game, and the flashes we see from undrafted rookies that will very likely not have jobs by this time tomorrow. Stay as we marvel at the prowess of guys you've never heard of.</p>
<p>And let's find out if Jordan Lynch can do enough to impress. (He'll probably be put on the practice squad next week.)</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/28/6080711/2014-preseason-week-4-chicago-bears-at-cleveland-browns-others-live-manziel-score-updateKev H2014-08-28T09:00:15-05:002014-08-28T09:00:15-05:005 Qs with Dawgs by Nature
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<figcaption>Soon... | Joe Robbins</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears always match up with the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. In anticipation of Thursday Night's preseason finale in Cleveland, we get some background on the Browns from SB Nation's Dawgs by Nature, courtesy of their executive editor, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/dawgsbynature" target="new">Chris Pokorny</a></p> <p>It's time for preaseason week 4, where many guys will get their final taste of being in a <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> jersey, while the rest fight to secure the back end spots on the roster. As is tradition, the Bears and <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a> will match up again and we reached out to editor Chris Pokorny of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com">Dawgs by Nature</a>, the best Cleveland Browns site on the web. Follow Chris on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/dawgsbynature">@DawgsByNature</a>, and make sure to stay tuned. Questions? Include them below. A big thanks for Chris taking time out of a very busy short week.</p>
<p>Also, check out our answers to their questions <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2014/8/28/6078095/bears-vs-browns-getting-to-know-the-enemy-with-windy-city-gridiron" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<p>---</p>
<h4>1. The Browns are on their fifth coach since 2005. How much of that is the quality of the front office/owners in terms of talent acquisition, and how much is on coaches?</h4>
<p>It really is on everybody. When I look back at the 2005-2008 seasons now, I'm shocked that we had a head coach make it through four seasons (Romeo Crennel). After him, the Browns went through Eric Mangini (2 years), Pat Shurmur (2 years), and Rob Chudzinski (1 year). When you look at those latter three hires, none of them were thought very highly of around the NFL circles. Just when Mangini actually started gaining the respect of the team in 2010, team president Mike Holmgren fired him and brought in Shurmur. That was probably the most asinine pairing to set this franchise back. Our owner at the time, Randy Lerner, opened his wallet to bring a guy like Holmgren in. The problem is that we needed Holmren as a coach, not as a team president.</p>
<p>For all intents and purposes, Holmgren collected a paycheck, went with Shurmur on a whim as the team's head coach because he wanted a "yes man," and then did nothing else. By the time Lerner saw that the Holmgren experiment failed, he sold the team to Jimmy Haslam. Haslam, being new to the NFL, hired Joe Banner as the CEO, and he really did do a very good job on the business side of things. The problem was on the football side, namely the hiring of Michael Lombardi as general manager. The reputation of those two men soon became toxic, and I give credit to Haslam for pulling the trigger when he did to fire both of them and make Alec Scheiner the team president and Ray Farmer the general manager. This is probably the best regime Cleveland has had since 1999, but the jury is still out on head coach Mike Pettine, considering he hasn't coached a regular season game yet.</p>
<p>Talent acquisition shouldn't be a big problem for the Browns with the current front office. They have one of the best cap situations in the NFL, and that's with them already having several key players already locked up. Farmer already worked his magic this past April (getting Johnny Manziel AND the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bills</a>' first-rounder in 2015), so this might finally be the front office to steer the ship in the right direction.</p>
<h4>2. With <span>Josh Gordon</span> banned for a year, the Browns curiously didn't go with any wide receivers in the draft. What's the depth behind Gordon look like?</h4>
<p>To defend the Browns organization a little bit, our general manager reportedly was not informed about the Gordon news until two weeks prior to the draft. If I understand the regulations correctly, he was not allowed to reveal that information to the coaching staff. Let's say the Browns had spent several months of Mike Pettine and Farmer discussing how they did not need a wide receiver in the first two rounds. Wouldn't it look odd if Farmer just changed his tune right when the draft was about to start, especially when you're supposed to be building a good relationship with your head coach? Finally, on top of all of that, Farmer had no guarantee that Gordon would be suspended for a year. It was really a poor situation to be in.</p>
<p>The current receiver depth is not good. I love <span>Andrew Hawkins</span>, but he's supposed to be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver. He'll still fulfill a niche, but the Browns don't have anyone who is close to being a No. 1 receiver. We'll ask either <span>Miles Austin</span> or <span>Nate Burleson</span> to fulfill that void, but good luck with that given their age and injury history. In a perfect world, we'll get lucky and have someone emerge as "the next <span>Marques Colston</span>," but I wouldn't bet on it. Cleveland does have ammunition to make a trade for a receiver, but I get the impression that they'd rather go with a tough defense and running game mentality.</p>
<h4>3. So, Johnny Football, eh? Is there a sense of pressure to get Manziel on the field ASAP, do the concerns about his character hold water, and do you think he's the long term solution at that position for Cleveland?</h4>
<p>There is obviously a pretty significant split among the fan base, but I'll try to summarize what I feel the majority consensus is. First, there are no concerns about his character -- we knew the type of player we were getting when we drafted him, and we're fine with that. Second, he is definitely the long-term solution at the position for Cleveland. He isn't polished enough to be thrown into the mix right away, at least to a point where he is as effective as we'd like him to be as a rookie starter. The Browns also have an ideal bye week for their quarterback situation: they play three games before having a bye week. That early bye week will allow the coaching staff to re-evaluate their quarterback situation. If Hoyer had looked solid during that stretch, he can stay in. If he's been shaky, then one would think that another full month of preparation would get Manziel ready to be inserted into the starting role.</p>
<h4>4. If you could pluck one player off of the Bears and insert them into the Browns roster, who would it be and why?</h4>
<p>Yeah, I think this one is a no-brainer: Alshon Jeffery. Aside from Gordon, Jeffery was probably the best receiver in the NFL last season. Jeffery would instantly solve the Browns' wide receiver problem, and then next year, could you imagine both Gordon and Jeffery playing together?</p>
<h4>5. The Browns were ranked ninth in the NFL last year in YPG (332.4 allowed), and by my count lost five games by 8 points or less. This is a conference right now where 9-7 was a playoff team last year. Can the defense keep that type of ranking up, and is this offense set to help support them a little more?</h4>
<p>The defense actually struggled toward the later part of last season due to injuries, and they've gotten better this offseason. Cleveland excelled against the run last season, and this offseason, they added several players who thrived at defending the pass. In the process, they sacrificed a couple of their better run defenders, but overall, the positives outweigh the positives. Mike Pettine's defense in Buffalo also led the league in sacks last year, and he probably has more pass rushers to work with in Cleveland than he did in Buffalo.</p>
<p>I'd like to talk up the offense, but that's pretty tough to do, given how our quarterbacks looked in the preseason and the loss of <span>Josh Gordon</span>. I will say this, though: <span>Brian Hoyer</span> was very effective at the end of the fourth quarter in his two starts last year. That might not seem like a big deal to most teams, but we haven't seen that type of fourth quarter play in Cleveland since early in the Tim Couch era. The Browns shouldn't light it up, but if they can do the simple things -- like moving the ball enough to win the field position game and cutting down on the turnovers -- then maybe the offense will be "good enough."</p>
<h4>5a. Predict a score for this, the most meaningless of football games.</h4>
<p>Most meaningless of football games is right (although I do understand that those guys fighting for a roster spot still treat it very seriously). I'll go with the Browns winning 23-20, for no good rhyme or reason.</p>
<p>---</p>
<p>Thanks again, Chris! Here's hoping for a good, short game that is injury free.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/28/6078063/manziel-is-solution-at-the-position-johnny-football-cleveland-browns-chicago-bears-fantasyKev HChris Pokorny2014-08-28T08:57:26-05:002014-08-28T08:57:26-05:00Bears at Browns: How to Watch and Listen
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears get a look at Johnny Manziel as they take on the Browns in the traditional fourth preseason game. Here's how you can get a glimpse of the game.</p> <p>Rookie quarterback <span>David Fales</span> takes the reins tonight as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> travel to Cleveland for their annual preseason match up with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>.</p>
<p>The Browns, coming off of the news that their star wide receiver will be out all season, look to answer some question at that position and more as they head into a week 1 matchup against the division rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>.</p>
<p>To get up-to-date Browns news, make sure to follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DawgsbyNature" target="_blank">@DawgsbyNature</a> on Twitter.</p>
<p><b>Game time: </b>8pm ET (7pm CT)</p>
<p><b>Location: </b>FirstEnergy Stadium - Cleveland, OH</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> Check out the Chicago Bears <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/chicago-bears-network/preseason-tv.html">Preseason Network,</a> or even the <a href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-center/browns-programming.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Browns Preseason Programming Page</a></p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>WBBM 780</p>
<p><b>Odds: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds" target="_blank">Cleveland by 2-5</a><b>, </b>at home,<b> </b>because preseason. Also<b>, </b>if you're betting on this, you are likely a special brand of masochist and you should probably <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/">visit this link.</a></p>
<p><b>Online streaming: </b><a style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://nfl.com/preseasonlive">NFL preseason live</a></p>
<p><b>Pick:</b> 23-20, Bears</p>
<p><b>Enemy Blog: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com">Dawgs by Nature</a> - Seriously, though, hit up this site. They've got a great crew over there who drop football knowledge bombs like you wouldn't believe.</p>
<p><b>Where can you watch this game with us at? </b>Join us in the game thread that will be up later, Follow various of us on the twitters: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/kev_wcg">@kev_wcg</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/wiltfongjr">@wiltfongjr</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://http;//www.twitter.com/sjs_illini">@sjs_illini</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/windycgridiron">@windycgridiron</a>. Or, come visit our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/WCG.FanPage">facebook page</a>.</p>
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<b>Next Week: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (w/<span>Jordan Palmer</span>) come to town for week 1 of the 2014 Regular Season.</div>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/28/6078161/chicago-bears-at-cleveland-browns-game-time-tv-schedule-radio-online-stream-manzielKev H2014-08-28T07:00:18-05:002014-08-28T07:00:18-05:00The Bears Den: August 28, 2014 (updated)
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
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<p>Could rookie minicamp tryout Senorise Perry earn himself a roster spot for his special teams play?</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/27/shepkowski-how-much-does-the-3rd-preseason-game-matter/">How much does third preseason game matter?</a> - Nick Shepkowski: Plenty of solid NFL teams have had plenty of struggles in the "all-important" third preseason game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000384364/article/chicago-bears-season-preview-secondary-concern" target="_blank">Bears preview</a> - Kevin Patra: Chicago boasts a high-octane offense but is their secondary, led by aging vets Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman, a legitimate worry that will trap the Bears in 2014?</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph3"><i>Follow WCG on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/WCGBearsBlog">Twitter</a>; like us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/WCG.FanPage">Facebook</a> (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Blame ThorCo. Check out David "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/graphics">OSS</a>" Taylor's <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsociety6.com%2FCheekyMonkeyArt&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2014%2F8%2F28%2F6076355%2Fchicago-bears-den-august-28-2014-david-fales-jordan-lynch-senorise-perry-bears-browns-preseason" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">CheekyMonkeyArt prints</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://skreened.com/cheekymonkeyart">t-shirts</a>. Den pic in <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37566062/453989970.0.jpg">hi-res</a>.</i></p>
<p>----------<br><b>Preseason finale: Chicago Bears - Cleveland Browns</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-believe-in-Jimmy-Clausen/f4789c79-ea5a-42a3-b859-873bebfa0536" target="_blank">Team notes</a> - Larry Mayer: Bears believe in Jimmy Clausen, are eager to see how David Fales performs; Cutler on Fales and Michael Ola.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-david-fales-watch-bears-spt-0828-20140828-story.html#navtype=outfit">Game preview</a> - Dan Wiederer: Four intriguing storylines to track Thursday night when the Bears take on the Browns in Cleveland.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Fales-Roster-Status-a-Tough-Call-for-Bears--272731491.html" target="_blank">Fales a tough call for Bears</a> - James Neveau: Should the Bears keep David Fales on the 53-man roster, or waive him (and risk losing him) to place him on the practice squad? <i>Moon Mullin</i>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-browns-viewers-guide-david-fales-playing-job">Fales is realistically playing for a spot on Bears’ PS</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-rookie-senorise-perry-creating-new-logjam-rb">Perry creating new logjam at RB</a> - Moon Mullin: While attention has been on the battle for Matt Forte's backup, Senorise Perry has played his way into the kickoff returner discussion. <i>Patrick Finley</i>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/29519191-606/undrafted-senorise-perry-needs-a-big-finish.html">Perry’s special-teams prowess could change the math</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140827/sports/140828502/" target="_blank">Some Bears playing for their jobs vs Browns</a> - Bob LeGere: Preseason finale a great opportunity for players battling for roster spots to get one last chance to make an impression.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagofootball.com/2014/08/27/bears-on-the-bubble-get-last-chance-in-cleveland/aq5inzr/" target="_blank">Bears on the bubble get last chance in Cleveland</a> - Not-Hub Fishbain: Cornelius Washington, Christian Jones, and Chris Williams among Bears hoping to put a good performance on tape tonight.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-final-cuts-bears-spt-0828-20140828-story.html#navtype=outfit">Bubble bound to burst as Bears' final cuts loom</a> - Rich Campbell: Tracy Robertson, Jordan Lynch and other Bears roster hopefuls get their last roster chance against the Browns.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/29521357-606/bears-to-watch-santonio-holmes-still-trying-to-get-comfortable.html" target="_blank">Bears to watch</a> - Mark Potash: Santonio Holmes, David Fales, and eight more to keep an eye on in tonight's game.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/27/durkin-bears-bubble-watch/">Bears bubble watch</a> - Dan Durkin: 22 players will have their fates decided over the course of the next few days.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/29519161-606/bears-de-austen-lane-squarely-in-mix-to-be-on-special-team.html" target="_blank">Lane squarely in mix to be on ‘special’ team</a> - Adam L. Jahns: Austen Lane and Trevor Scott have seen a lot more snaps during the preseason than second-year DEs Cornelius Washington and David Bass.</p>
<p><i><b>Updates:</b></i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Perry-looking-to-buck-odds-again/462596a4-fd98-47ba-87cd-eabf1fd636d1" target="_blank">Perry looking to buck odds again</a> - Larry Mayer: An impressive outing in Thursday night's preseason finale in Cleveland could help Senorise Perry buck the odds and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4693905/w2w4-chicago-bears-4?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Game preview</a> - Michael C. Wright: What to watch for in the preseason finale.</p>
<p><a href="http://thegamechicago.com/2014/08/28/roster-breakdown-position-battles-to-watch-in-cleveland/" target="_blank">Game preview</a> - Adam Hoge: Position battles to watch in Cleveland.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Bears-vs-Browns-Five-Players-to-Watch-Fales-McClellin-273049941.html" target="_blank">Game preview</a> - James Neveau: Five players to watch in tonight's game. <a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Bears-vs-Browns-Five-Questions-Holmes-Manziel-273055291.html" target="_blank">Five questions to answer</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-backup-battles-bear-watching-against-browns">Backup battles that bear watching against the Browns</a> - Chris Boden: Working off the current 75, which appear to be most important this evening?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-browns-viewers-guide-lynch-looking-avoid-fate-tebow">Jordan Lynch looking to avoid fate of Tebow</a> - Moon Mullin: Tim Tebow had elite college credentials, but in the end turned out to be not good enough as a passer to make it as an NFL QB and not good enough as a runner to get real consideration as a running back.</p>
<p>----------<br><b>Bearsss</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagofootball.com/2014/08/27/arkush-bears-special-teams-a-work-in-progress/acnpf7y/" target="_blank">Special teams a work in progress</a> - Is-Hub Arkush: It possible that the bottom third of this roster, where core special teams folks should come from, isn’t as talented as in previous years?</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4693910/matt-forte-no-29-in-player-rankings?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Matt Forte No. 29 in player rankings</a> - Michael C. Wright: Bears running back improved his standing from a year ago in ESPN's #NFLRank project, moving from No. 48 to No. 29.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/24683050/grading-how-all-32-nfl-teams-handled-filling-roster-holes" target="_blank">Grading how all 32 NFL teams handled key roster hole</a> - Pete Prisco: There won't be much of a drop in play in moving on from Julius Peppers, as Jared Allen can still get after the QB in spurts.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/67083/telling-stats-about-each-starting-qb" target="_blank">Stats & Info</a> - ESPN with telling stats about each starting QB. <i>Shaun Hill</i> is on this list. Sucks to be you, Rams.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/videos/ITB-Coaches-bike-giveaway/1f415464-39e7-4494-ae32-ffd01d75b392" target="_blank">[Video] Inside the Bears</a> - Marc Trestman and his staff continued a training camp tradition on the final day of practice when the coaches gave away the bikes they rode around the campus of ONU.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Cutler-Photo-Shoot/2e41c4ed-a438-4ff1-a4fb-6105b1a658af" target="_blank">Photos</a> - ChicagoBears.com: Behind the scenes at Jay Cutler's SI photo shoot.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-patrick-mannelly-replacing-dan-mcneil-20140827-story.html#navtype=outfit">Mannelly replacing McNeil on WSCR-AM</a> - Ed Sherman: Recently retired Bears <strike>long-snapper</strike> <i>mulleted demigod</i> Patrick Mannelly will be Matt Spiegel's new partner.</p>
<p id="paragraph24" class="pgh-paragraph"><i>Sun-Times Bears section <a target="_blank" href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/index.html">here</a>.</i></p>
<p id="paragraph25" class="pgh-paragraph">----------<br><b>Polish sausage</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000384367/article/detroit-lions-season-preview-defensive-disappointment" target="_blank">Know thy enemy: Lions</a> - Kevin Patra: With weapons like Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush and Golden Tate in the lineup, the Lions boast arguably the deepest offense in the NFL. But could their Achilles' heel be on defense?</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Flions%2F2014%2F08%2F27%2Fmatthew-stafford-detroit-lions%2F14708585%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2014%2F8%2F28%2F6076355%2Fchicago-bears-den-august-28-2014-david-fales-jordan-lynch-senorise-perry-bears-browns-preseason" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Know thy enemy: Lions</a> - Jim Corbett: Stafford out to prove he can master Lions' attack. <i>Michael Rothstein</i>: <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/67165/lions-taking-time-to-perfect-their-screens">Lions taking time to perfect their screens</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000384373/article/green-bay-packers-season-preview-fastpaced-o" target="_blank">Know thy enemy: Packers</a> - Kevin Patra: With Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy, the Packers look like a scoring juggernaut. Will their fast-paced offense get them back to their second Super Bowl this decade?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000384382/article/minnesota-vikings-season-preview-zimmers-chance" target="_blank">Know thy enemy: Vikings</a> - Kevin Patra: With a less-than-ideal QB situation, the Vikings will lean heavily on Adrian Peterson. Can Zimmer coach up a struggling secondary and inconsistent O-line?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/vikings-offense-has-impressed-even-as-peterson-still-not-yet-unveiled-082714" target="_blank">Know thy enemy: Vikings</a> - Brian Hall: Vikings offense has impressed, even without Adrian Peterson. <i>Doug Farrar</i>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/08/25/mike-zimmer-minnesota-vikings-pro-football-focus">Mike Zimmer skeptical of PFF grades</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/madden-15-glitch-players-fying-stepping-on-mines-082714" target="_blank">Madden</a> - Brett Smiley: Madden '15 glitch has players stepping on mines and going flying into orbit.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">----------</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2kXMcjKhBgU?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/28/6076355/chicago-bears-den-august-28-2014-david-fales-jordan-lynch-senorise-perry-bears-browns-preseasonSpongie2014-08-27T15:00:04-05:002014-08-27T15:00:04-05:00Pleased to Meet You: Preseason Week 4, Browns
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wf3cUu2P86jQfmgQ_FLkCpOU7xQ=/0x49:4000x2716/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37502718/20140823_pjc_ss4_536.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Week four of the preseason is finally here. We're looking at the game and what the Bears have yet to figure out.</p> <p>Welcome to week four of the preseason. And thank goodness it's here, because after Friday's debacle, it couldn't have come at a better time. And of course, it can't be week four of the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a>' preseason without their customary game against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>.</p>
<p>This time adds a little intrigue, as the Bears get to see first-hand how <span>Johnny Manziel</span> plays football, as well as the return of <span>Rex Grossman</span>, as he faces his old team. Let's get through this last preseason game and get to week one against Buffalo.</p>
<p><b>Last Year: </b>Finished 4-12, good for last in the AFC North.</p>
<p><b>This Year: </b>Still the same place as everybody else, figuring out what they have. As far as preseason is concerned, the Browns are 0-3.</p>
<p><b>When Last We Met: </b>Last year the Bears contributed to one of the Browns' twelve losses, 38-31. <span>Jay Cutler</span> and Jason Campbell exchanged interceptions for touchdowns, <span>Martellus Bennett</span> coughed up a fumble for a touchdown, and Cutler still threw three touchdowns to drive the team to the win.</p>
<p><b>Statistics (As Of 2013):</b></p>
<table style="border-color: #0000ff; border-width: 1px; background-color: #ffa500;" align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Points</b></td>
<td>308 (27th)</td>
<td>406 (23rd)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Total Yardage</b></td>
<td>5423 (18th)</td>
<td>5319 (9th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rushing Yardage</b></td>
<td>1383 (27th)</td>
<td>1781 (18th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Passive Yardage</b></td>
<td>4040 (11th)</td>
<td>3538 (8th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>We won't spend too much time talking about the Cleveland Browns in preseason here, because it's week four and quite frankly, the Bears have their own guys to be concerned with. But the Bears will see a lot from the Browns, so we'd be remiss not to discuss it.</p>
<p>According to the Browns' own web site, there's a chance <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-Bears-What-To-Watch-For/10665b97-cc8a-4183-ac12-dbbfba0736c8">all four quarterbacks</a> on the Browns' roster (<span>Brian Hoyer</span>, Manziel, Grossman,and <span>Connor Shaw</span>) will see time, as they try to shake out the bottom of their quarterbacking roster. Hoyer and Manziel are confirmed to be starter and backup, respectively, but the Browns may be trying to carry Grossman or Shaw, and Shaw may start the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Other battles that might be settled on the Browns' side include a late cornerback spot between <span>Aaron Berry</span>, <span>Leon McFadden</span>, <span>Isaiah Trufant</span> and <span>K'Waun Williams</span>; seeing what they have in <span>Nate Burleson</span> as he competes for a wide receiver spot; and if someone can unseat <span>Dion Lewis</span> as the third running back on the roster as he splits carries with <span>Isaiah Crowell</span> and Chris Ogbannaya.</p>
<p>On the Bears' own side, we'll do it a little more justice.</p>
<p><b>Cornerbacks: </b>Charles Tillman, <span>Tim Jennings</span>, and <span>Kyle Fuller</span> are locks, and Sherrick McManis' strong special teams play and cornerback play have nearly locked him in as well. The fifth spot is up in the air; with <span>Isaiah Frey</span> being cut, <span>Kelvin Hayden</span> is currently the leader in the clubhouse, but he'll be competing with <span>C.J. Wilson</span>, <span>Al Louis-Jean</span>, and <span>Demontre Hurst</span> for that spot.</p>
<p><b>Linebacker: </b>Four spots are decently sewn up, between <span>Lance Briggs</span>, <span>Jon Bostic</span>, <span>Shea McClellin</span>, and <span>D.J. Williams</span>. Roster construction pretty much fills in behind that. With Jordan Senn gone, the Bears have a few options behind him. <span>Khaseem Greene</span>, last year's fourth round draft pick, could be safe, but Phil Emery's shown he will get away from a draft pick if he has to. UDFA Christian Jones is fighting for a spot, but it remains to be seen how much he produces. Jerry Franklin's got a little additional experience, but the Bears could get away from him to keep Green and Jones (if they keep six linebackers). A seventh opens it up for Franklin or DeDe Lattimore. Or Franklin could come in and Greene could be out. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out.</p>
<p><b><span>David Fales</span>: </b>The Bears may be trying to put him on the practice squad, but if he shows well against Cleveland, it might make it hard to sneak him through waivers. He's playing for a 53-man spot, and could earn it, especially against a strong defense and strong secondary in Cleveland.</p>
<p><b>Third running back: </b>The Bears have their own third-back questions to answer. <span>Shaun Draughn</span> is in the lead for this spot, but <span>Jordan Lynch</span> is expected to get a lot of playing time. Does he show enough to earn a practice squad spot, or maybe that third running back spot?</p>
<p>What are some of the other questions you're looking to have answered?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/27/6072225/pleased-to-meet-you-preseason-week-4-cleveland-brownsSteven Schweickert2014-08-27T12:01:57-05:002014-08-27T12:01:57-05:002014 NFL Predictions: Chicago Bears 8-8
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nTyjqkg6uppuC3dkFj_C9y5gX6k=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37532340/20140822_mje_sn8_401.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the season fast approaching, various NFL Experts have begun weighing in on their 2014 predictions. Here's how Pat Kirwan of CBS Sports has the season shaping up.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>' fans aren't going to like Pat Kirwan's <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24681447/nfl-team-by-team-record-predictions-playoff-picks" target="_blank">2014 NFL season prediction</a>. Not only does he have the Bears missing the playoffs at 8-8, but he has the hated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> winning the NFC North at 11-5. He also has the Packers winning the NFC Championship, but at least he has them losing in the Super Bowl to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in a rematch of SBXXXI.</p>
<p>Here's what he said about the Bears.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I might have this team undervalued with all the offensive weapons they have, but that Bears defense needs to make big strides.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The team is bringing back the same offensive weapons as last year's 8-8 squad, so one would hope there would be an improvement from year one of the Marc Trestman offense to year two of the TCO. It's hard to gauge too much off the preseason, so we'll have to see how it's clicking once the games count.</p>
<p>And defensively, it's easy as Bears fans to say 'it can't get any worse', but it could. I sure as Hell hope it doesn't, but injures happen. The Bears did a lot this of off season to upgrade their defensive line, but until we see how they gel, it's really hard to say.</p>
<p>The linebacking unit has to come around, the secondary has to all be on the same page, and the veteran former Pro Bowlers on the defensive line need to play close to that level.</p>
<p>All us writers at Windy City Gridiron will reveal our 2014 predictions soon, but I'll give a teaser right now. I think this Bears team will be in the playoffs.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24681447/nfl-team-by-team-record-predictions-playoff-picks" target="_blank">Kirwan's predictions</a>?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2014/8/27/6074817/2014-nfl-predictions-pat-kirwan-of-cbs-sports-has-the-chicago-bearsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.