Friday Aug 31 News & Tweets

[Happy Human 1001]

Exhibition finale not totally meaningless
Individual battles for final roster spots were an intriguing game within the game

Dan Pompei On the NFL

11:47 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
CLEVELAND — You might have yawned at the proceedings Thursday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Maybe you switched back and forth to the broadcast of the Republican National Convention.

Perhaps you chose "Glee."

Or played some Angry Birds on your smart phone.

You might have thought there was little to be gained from Browns-Bears. And that was true for most of us.

Even Bears general manager Phil Emery had to go into the game with a pretty clear picture of what his final roster would look like. But Emery did have something to gain from paying close attention.

Players who could be on the bottom of the Bears' roster were competing, trying to show Emery and coach Lovie Smith that they deserve a spot on the final 53-man roster, which will be decided Friday.

The game clearly meant something to Josh McCown.

"Tomorrow is not promised," said McCown, who played every snap on offense and was sharp enough to walk away with a 90.7 passer rating after completing 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. "I embrace it and have fun."

Because Matt Blanchard was cut last week and Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell were given the night off, this was McCown's game. He put his signature on it and added to his reputation as a player who can turn it on when needed.

The veterans watched him from the sidelines with smiles on their faces.

"He just has that it factor when he's back there," defensive end Israel Idonije said. "He commands the guys, has fun and makes plays."

In his first four series, McCown threw two passes that were touchdowns and another that could have been.

The first bounced off the hands of Brittan Golden, who ran an out route about 21 yards to the 2-yard line on the sideline. The second was a sweet strike to Dane Sanzenbacher in the end zone for a 30-yard score. The third throw led Armando Allen beautifully on an in route that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown.

If McCown did not convince the Bears it's worth keeping him as a third quarterback, the game was more meaningless than anyone thought.

The game meant something to Allen and Lorenzo Booker. Both played their hearts out in a battle to be the third running back.

Booker showed more nifty moves on his way to 81 rushing yards, but Allen peeled off a 49-yarder in the final minutes and wound up with 83.

Allen contributed in more ways, leading the Bears with 51 receiving yards, handling his pass protection well and forcing a fumble on a Browns punt return.

The game meant something to Ryan Quigley. He still was trying to prove to the Bears he can replace Adam Podlesh if Podlesh isn't healthy enough to punt in the opener.

He had a beautifully placed punt that sailed 31 yards and landed on the 7, where it was downed. He later boomed a 45-yarder that was downed on the 6.

But he also hit a line drive in the fourth quarter that was brought back 18 yards.

"God has given me this opportunity and I've tried to make the most of it," Quigley said.

The game meant something to safety Jeremy Jones. If the Bears keep five safeties, which appears possible because of Chris Conte's shoulder injury, Jones might have made himself the favorite to be the fifth with an athletic interception over the back of receiver Jordan Norwood that Smith singled out.

The game meant something to cornerbacks Isaiah Frey, Greg McCoy and veteran Jonathan Wilhite.

McCoy broke on a pass to Josh Gordon and tipped the pass up. After Gordon dropped the ball, McCoy intercepted it and ran it back for a pick-6.

Frey, meanwhile, was beaten by Browns receiver Rod Windsor on a crossing route that resulted in a 2-yard touchdown.

The game meant something to Patrick Trahan. He likely was fighting for the final linebacker spot on the roster, trying to fend off challenges from Jabara Williams and Xavier Adibi. Trahan, whose primary regular-season value would be on special teams, was credited with a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown.

So the desperation on the field provided quite a contrast to the apathy all around it.

dpompei@tribune.com

Twitter @danpompei

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Video: Pompei, Biggs on Bears win in exhibition finale
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...bition-finale-20120830,0,3666528.premiumvideo

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Allen and Booker make it tough on Bears
Working for 3rd-team roles each back put forth strong effort in last exhibition night before final cuts

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter

11:23 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
CLEVELAND — It seemed appropriate that Lorenzo Booker and Armando Allen were the first Bears down in coverage on the opening kickoff.

The two have been running neck and neck the entire preseason for a spot on the opening-day roster.

Thursday's exhibition finale against the Browns provided a chance for Booker and Allen to establish separation in the competition for the third running back spot with final cuts due by 8 p.m. Friday. Their performances no doubt left the coaches with a tough decision.

Allen finished with 83 rushing yards on 16 carries, including a 49-yard dash in the final moments that might have resulted in a touchdown if he had not been exhausted. He also caught a team-high five passes for 51 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown reception from starter Josh McCown and another for 18 yards. Allen completed his night by forcing a fumble on a punt return.

"I had a pretty decent performance," Allen said after the 28-20 victory. "(But) definitely a lot of things I could have done better."

Booker's night started with an explosion but ended in disappointment. He gained 81 yards on 15 carries with a long run of 17 yards. He also caught four passes for 16 yards.

But Booker suffered a head injury late in the game and didn't return. Booker was unavailable to the media for interviews because of the injury.

Booker and Allen helped the offense move the ball, but it was hard not to ignore the outstanding "wiggle'' Booker displayed. He made starter-like moves to elude tackles, although he was playing against second- and third-stringers.

If the coaches use special teams as a measuring stick before cuts, the vision of Booker's 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Redskins is sure to enter their minds. But Allen showed he was capable of making a big play on special teams, too, when he popped the ball loose from Browns return man Travis Benjamin in the fourth quarter. Bears punter Ryan Quigley recovered the loose ball.

Booker, 28, was highly regarded coming out of Florida State and ended up being a third-round draft pick of the Dolphins. He spent one season with them before being traded to the Eagles. They cut him and Booker spent time in the UFL before joining the Vikings for two seasons. He signed with the Bears this offseason.

Allen, who starred at Notre Dame, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers last season. He was signed to the Bears practice squad in September 2011 and appeared in two games.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

McCown throws for 2 TDs in Bears' 28-20 victory
With regulars and primary backups in wings, exhibition a battle for final roster spots

By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

11:23 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
CLEVELAND — Ready or not, here comes the regular season.

The Bears pulled the blinds on the exhibition slate Thursday night at largely empty Cleveland Browns Stadium, doing their best to ensure they get to Week 1 as healthy as possible.

Coach Lovie Smith did not just rest quarterback Jay Cutler and other marquee players. Every starter was on the bench and in many instances top backups did not get into what has become an almost meaningless exercise with the exception of the ticket revenue the fourth exhibition generates. Thirty-six of the 75 players on the Bears' roster watched from the sideline, and the Browns didn't have any starters in the game.

The Bears' reserves, many of whom will be seeking jobs after final cuts at 8 p.m. Friday, had enough to defeat the Browns' backups 28-20 as the team closed exhibitions 3-1, the club's first winning preseason since 2009.

The team will whittle the roster to the 53-man limit before the deadline, and practice squads can begin being formed Saturday.

The Bears believe they are ready to embark on a season packed with high expectations.

Cutler played in only two exhibitions, throwing a total of 34 passes, as he also sat out the Aug. 9 opener against the Broncos. The offense showed glimpses of being explosive and it's clear what an impact new receiver Brandon Marshall can have.

But this exhibition was reserved almost exclusively for third-string players, some fighting for one of the final few roster spots and some hoping to impress other clubs.

Quarterback Josh McCown played the entire game, and if he's on the bubble, he only helped himself. While McCown is not battling another QB for a job, he could be going against a player at another position for a spot.

The offense was relatively smooth. McCown completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards. He threw a nice 30-yard strike for a touchdown to Dane Sanzenbacher, who did a good job of cradling the ball as he went to the ground, and also had an 11-yard touchdown pass to running back Armando Allen.

"Good for (Sanzenbacher)," Smith said. "He has great hands. He had a good camp. We expect him to make those kinds of plays."

Allen and Lorenzo Booker both impressed in what was the final audition for a third running back, but Booker left in the fourth quarter to have a head injury evaluated.

Allen rushed 16 times for 83 yards and made five receptions for 51 yards. Booker had 81 yards on 15 carries and caught four balls for 16 yards.

If the front office and coaches were looking for a couple of players to stand out, middle linebacker Xavier Adibi had a sack and three tackles for a loss. Patrick Trahan was credited with a blocked punt in the third quarter when he pushed Rod Windsor into punter Reggie Hodges. Trahan has special teams experience and that could be a deciding factor.

Defensive end Cheta Ozougwu had a sack and has gotten consistent pass pressure against reserves all preseason. Undrafted rookie safety Jeremy Jones made an athletic interception of Colt McCoy to set up McCown's first touchdown pass.

"Jeremy Jones came in (and stood out)," Smith said. "Great interception. Had a couple of good tackles. He showed up."

Questions remain. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is supposed to practice next week for the first time since July 31. The plan is for him to play in the opener Sept. 9 against the Colts at Soldier Field. Now, players on the bubble wait for their phone not to ring. Players who will be cut are called. Teams don't notify players who have made it.

"I was thinking the same thing last year," Sanzenbacher said. "Why don't you just call me and tell me either way. Hopefully, it doesn't ring. It's a strange situation, but so is this business."

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Exhibition photos: Bears 28, Browns 20
http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.com/chi-chicago-bears-cleveland-browns-photos/

 

[Happy Human 1001]

After turnover, Bears take a perfect shot
After turnover, Sanzenbacher beats Nickel back on 30-yard TD pass from McCown

Matt Bowen Scouting the Bears

9:51 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
After a turnover in the NFL it is time to go up top and test the secondary. That's exactly what the Bears did against the Browns on Thursday night when quarterback Josh McCown hit Dane Sanzenbacher on the Pump-Seam for a touchdown after a Jeremy Jones interception.

In this diagram, the Bears have their Posse personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end, one back) on the field in a Doubles Slot Wing alignment. The Browns counter with their base nickel front (four defensive linemen, two linebackers, five defensive backs) playing Cover-1 (man-free) in the secondary.

With the ball in the high red zone (20- to 35-yard line), the Bears run a vertical concept that puts stress on the free safety. It's ideal field position to take a shot to the end zone.

To the open (weak) side of the formation, Eric Weems (X) runs the Sluggo (slant and go) vs. press coverage. Weems takes a hard inside release, stems to the slant and then breaks up the field vertically. To the closed (strong) side of the formation, Brittan Golden (Z) works the Smash route with Sanzenbacher (W) on the inside vertical seam.

The key to running the Pump-Seam is the protection along with the backfield action from the quarterback. With the tight end (Y) and running back (R) blocking to the closed side of the formation, the Bears have created a seven-man protection scheme. That provides plenty of time for McCown to pump to Weems on the Sluggo and come back to Sanzenbacher on the seam.

Where is the free safety help? When McCown pumps, this holds the free safety and forces him to shade over the top of Weems. That creates a one-on-one matchup with Sanzenbacher on the Browns' nickel corner (N). With Sanzenbacher creating leverage at the snap (winning to the outside), he can stack on top of the Nickel corner, put him in a trail position and finish the play on a nice ball from McCown.

It was a smart play call from the Bears given the game situation, and it led to six points.

Special contributor Matt Bowen, who played at Glenbard West and Iowa, spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety. You also can find his work at nationalfootballpost.com.

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Four downs: Bubble breakdowns

By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

9:25 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
Armando Allen vs. Lorenzo Booker

1. If one game is a good indicator, Allen provides more to the offense in the passing game and Booker is a greater asset in the running game. Allen showed his versatility as a wide receiver, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown when he was split out wide. Earlier, he had an 18-yard catch when he was lined up wide. Booker was more effective as a runner and that has been a question for Allen, who will struggle between the tackles at 5 feet 10, 190 pounds.

Isaiah Frey vs. Greg McCoy

2. Indications are Frey is ahead as he started opposite veteran Jonathan Wilhite. But McCoy subbed for Wilhite in the second half. Frey flashed a little bit more during camp and the late draft selection of two cornerbacks could have been with the goal of finding one to develop. Backup cornerbacks are typically core contributors on special teams. McCoy showed good instincts jumping a route on a pass to Josh Gordon and deflecting, intercepting and returning it 15 yards for a score.

Tyler Clutts vs. Kyle Adams

3. Clutts received his most extensive exhibition playing time as tight ends Evan Rodriguez, the fourth-round draft pick, and Adams, an undrafted free agent from last year, barely saw action. Clutts was with the Browns in this game last summer and the Bears saw enough to sign him off their practice squad during the first week of the season. Clutts appears to be a victim of a change in philosophy with new coordinator Mike Tice preferring tight ends to fullbacks.

Jabara Williams vs. Patrick Trahan

4. Williams and Trahan both played roles on special teams last season and could be in consideration for one of the final roster spots. Another linebacker also could be in the mix, Xavier Adibi, who had a sack and tackle for a loss in the first quarter. This decision isn't so much about building depth in the event Brian Urlacher's left knee remains an issue, but stocking special teams for Dave Toub after Dom DeCicco was cut loose with a groin injury.

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Sanzenbacher makes roster bid with diving, 30-yard TD reception
Linebacker Adibi and safety Jones also impressive against Browns

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter

11:23 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
CLEVELAND — There shouldn't be any doubt about Dane Sanzenbacher's roster status now.

The second-year player from Ohio State was believed to be on the bubble when the Bears started practice this week. His situation got a boost after Rashied Davis, who suffered an undisclosed injury, told the Tribune he had been released. Sanzenbacher and Davis had seemed to be in a battle for a spot on the 53-man roster.

If the Bears were weighing whether to keep six receivers, as they did last season for the opener, Sanzenbacher likely swayed them Thursday night. His diving, 30-yard touchdown reception from Josh McCown in the first quarter was a thing of beauty. Sanzenbacher kept possession of the ball with Browns defensive back Trevin Wade smothering him.

Sanzenbacher was asked about his mentality entering the game.

"in a game like this, you can't let it get in your head,'' he said. "You just have to relax and play. … It can be tough. You're in, you're out. You're waiting around and you have to play special teams. But it's part of it.''

Sanzenbacher, who also returned punts, was on the field early and often Thursday with the starters and a handful of backups resting. He caught two passes for 40 yards after being targeted three times and returned two punts for 11 yards.

Standing out: Bears coach Lovie Smith was looking for a few guys to stand out in the final exhibition. Two defensive players did that in the first half against the Browns.

Linebacker Xavier Adibi, a late addition to the team during training camp, earned notice when he sacked quarterback Colt McCoy for a 9-yard loss. Adibi also dropped Browns running back Montario Hardesty for a 2-yard loss. He finished with a team-high seven tackles, including three for a loss.

Rookie safety Jeremy Jones opened some eyes when he leaped high to pick off a McCoy pass. Jones returned it 13 yards, helping set up McCown's touchdown pass to Sanzenbacher.

Rookie receiver Brittan Golden scored a 22-yard touchdown after scooping up a blocked punt.

It's going to be hard for Golden to make the 53-man roster with the depth at receiver, but he's an ideal practice squad candidate.

"I just have to have faith and see what happens,'' Golden said. "I'm fine with (practice squad). Of course I have a lot of room to grow, being a rookie.''

Road to recovery: Stephen Paea was in full pads during pregame warm-ups as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli put him through drills. The second-year nose tackle also did some light running.

Paea, who hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle Aug. 11, said he wanted to return to practice Monday, but the trainers advised him to take it easy. Paea plans to play in the Sept. 9 season opener against the Colts but admitted the injury might linger. Matt Toeaina could start at nose tackle in the opener if Paea is not fully recovered.

Extra points: Robbie Gould missed a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. Gould made all seven of his previous field-goal attempts in exhibition play. … Defensive tackle Brian Price, fighting for a roster spot, suffered a head injury in the third quarter and left the game. … Rookie defensive end Shea McClellin rested on the sideline with the starters.

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears beat Browns 28-20, finish preseason 3-1

By Fred Mitchell, Tribune reporter

9:36 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
Several rookies and other players on the roster bubble were impressive in the Bears' 28-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns Thursday night.

Third-string quarterback Josh McCown completed 20 of 29 passes for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Running backs Armando Allen and Lorenzo Booker both played well. Allen rushed for 83 yards on 16 carries and Booker had 81 yards on 15 tries.

Allen also caught five passes for 51 yards and a TD. Booker caught four passes for 16 yards.

The Browns (2-2) and Bears (3-1) closed out the preseason for the ninth straight year. All teams must trim their rosters to 53 by Friday, and they can establish an 8-man practice squad by Saturday.

Veteran backup McCown got the start for the Bears and he directed an impressive drive on their first possession. Unfortunately, Robbie Gould missed a 35-yard field goal attempt wide left at the end of the 11-play, 52-yard drive. McCown completed 4 of 6 passes for 46 yards on the drive that came up empty.

It was the first field goal attempt Gould has missed in the preseason. He had been 7-for-7, including a game-winning 57-yarder.

The Bears regained possession when undrafted safety Jeremy Jones intercepted a Colt McCoy pass and returned it 13 yards to the Cleveland 30. On the next play, McCown passed 30 yards to Dane Sanzenbacher for a touchdown. Following a review by the replacement officials, the play stood. Gould converted to make it 7-0.

Of Sanzenbacher's TD, coach Lovie Smith said: "(It's) Good for him. He has great hands. He had a good camp. We expect him to make those kinds of plays."

The Bears improved their lead to 14-0 when McCown passed 11 yards to Allen for a TD with 4:25 left in the half. The scoring drive covered 44 yards in five plays.

The Browns finally got on the scoreboard when QB Seneca Wallace passed two yards to Rod Windsor for a touchdown with 41 seconds left in the half. Phil Dawson converted to cut the Bears' lead to 14-7. The 80-yard scoring drive took eight plays.

McCown completed 16 of 20 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. His passer rating was 128.5.

Booker rushed for 48 yards on 7 carries as the Bears racked up 202 total yards. Allen also had five catches for 51 yards and one TD. Booker caught four first-half passes for 16 yards. Sanzenbacher had two catches for 34 yards and a TD.

In the second half, McCown was intercepted on the Bears' first possession. His sideline pass intended for Sanzenbacher was picked off by Tashaun Gipson.

The Browns' 5-play, 24-yard drive ended with a 39-yard field goal by Dawson to make the score 14-10.

Following a challenge of an incomplete pass intended for the Browns' Josh Gordon, the Bears' Greg McCoy was ruled to have intercepted a pass from the Browns' Thaddeus Lewis. McCoy was credited with a 15-yard TD return to make the score 21-10 in favor of the Bears. The deflected pass bounced off the foot of the Browns receiver Gordon instead of hitting the ground.

The Bears came right back for another quick score when Browns punter Reggie Hodges had his kick blocked.by Patrick Trahan. Brittan Golden returned the block 22 yards for a touchdown and the Bears led 28-10.

he Browns scored again after Lewis had an 18-yard run to the Bears' 1. From there, Adonis Thomas leaped into the end zone and the Bears led 28-17 with 10:12 left in the fourth quarter.

The Browns pulled to within 28-20 after a 42-yard field goal from Dawson with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter.

Following Thursday night's exhibition at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Bears will direct full attention to their regular-season opener against the Colts at Soldier Field.

fmitchell@tribune.com

Twitter@kicker34

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

NFL trade deadline pushed back; IR rules amended

Sports Network

12:47 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2012
The NFL trade deadline has been pushed back by two weeks and there will be a slight modification to the injured reserve rules.

According to reports from NFL.com and ESPN, the league and the union agreed to the changes that will go into effect for the 2012 season.

The trade deadline will now be after Week 8 of the season instead of Week 6, while teams will be allowed to activate one player off injured reserve during the regular season.

Previously, any player placed on injured reserve was lost for the remainder of the season.

Owners had approved these changes back in May, but the union also had to agree before implementation.

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears top Browns to finish preseason 3-1, but what do we really know about them?
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com August 30, 2012 10:18PM
Updated: August 31, 2012 2:37AM


CLEVELAND — The Bears concluded the preseason Thursday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium, but only a handful of players who will make the 53-man roster appeared in a 28-20 victory.

Nary a starter played in the game, and neither did many key backups, such as quarterback Jason Campbell and defensive end Shea McClellin. So, in essence, the 42 players who appeared were competing for, very generously speaking, 16 roster spots that aren’t locked up.

And that doesn’t include waived players whom the Bears could pick up over the weekend.

“A lot of players in there won’t be with us anymore,” coach Lovie Smith said, “and I assume as a player going out, you don’t want to have any regrets. And you don’t have regrets if you say, ‘Hey, I played as well as I could the last time out,’ and I think most guys can say that tonight.”

The Bears finished the preseason 3-1, but what do we know about them?

The offense is still a mystery because new offensive coordinator Mike Tice dished out more vanilla than a corner ice cream shop. The preseason focus, instead, was for the offense to work on basics, which produced mixed results.

Not including the last painful drive of the first half against the New York Giants — when it was near the goal line trying to run out the clock — the offense faced starting defenses in 10 series. The Bears, with Jay Cutler as the quarterback, didn’t turn the ball over, scored three touchdowns, kicked one field goal but punted the ball away six times. They also had three three-and-outs.

Cutler threw for 218 yards but completed only 16 of 34 passes (47.1 percent). His passer rating was 77.8.

The offensive line still doesn’t inspire much confidence, although it did hold the Giants’ front four sack-less. The Bears haven’t made it official, but J’Marcus Webb doesn’t appear to have done anything to lose his starting left tackle spot to Chris Williams.

The most alarming aspect of the preseason for the offense was the lack of production from Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte. He ran the ball 14 times for 55 yards, an average of 3.9 yards per carry. But subtract his 24-yard scamper against the Giants’ backups at the start of the third quarter, and Forte’s average drops to an abysmal 2.3 yards.

While the pass-blocking has been somewhat encouraging, the run-blocking hasn’t, with neither Forte nor Michael Bush getting much daylight behind the starting line.

As for the No. 1 defense, it faced starting offenses on 12 drives, giving up two field goals and three touchdowns, including one after a blocked punt deep in Bears territory.

The defense forced six punts and generated two turnovers.

Without linebacker Brian Urlacher, the defense wasn’t a total mess, with Nick Roach capably filling in. But Urlacher has a knack for coming up with turnovers and making impact plays, which Roach didn’t do.

The broader concern might be the pass rush. There was scant pressure against the defending Super Bowl champion Giants, with Eli Manning getting into a rhythm before he was shelved. He finished 17-for-21 for 148 yards with one TD pass and no turnovers.

One unheralded player who asserted himself was Cheta Ozougwu, Mr. Irrelevant in 2011, the last player drafted. He added his third sack in four games and just missed a fourth in the second quarter. The reserves actually applied adequate pressure with two sacks and six pressures.

Other players who stood out: quarterback Josh McCown (20-for-29 for 157 yards, two touchdowns), Armando Allen (83 rushing yards, 51 receiving yards, one forced fumble), Lorenzo Booker (15 carries, 81 yards), Dane Sanzenbacher (30-yard touchdown), linebacker Xavier Adibi (six tackles, one sack), safety Jeremy Jones (four tackles, one interception) and Ryan Quigley (three of his four punts inside the 20).

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Notebook: Dane Sanzenbacher doesn’t take roster spot for granted
By MARK POTASH mpotash@suntimes.com August 30, 2012 10:14PM
Updated: August 31, 2012 2:37AM


CLEVELAND — Dane Sanzenbacher knows better than to read anything into anything when it comes to the NFL. So even though Rashied Davis’ departure seemed to clear his path to the Bears’ 53-man roster, he knew he had to make a play Thursday.

That’s why he returned a punt that could have gotten him obliterated in the regular season on the first possession of the Bears’ 28-20 victory over the Browns in their preseason finale.

‘‘Nobody remembers a fair catch, do they?’’ Sanzenbacher said. ‘‘If it was close I was going to take it. Any time you can get the ball in your hands and make a play on special teams, it can turn some heads.’’

Sanzenbacher was stopped for no gain on the punt return. But he was not to be denied. After an interception by Jeremy Jones on the Browns next possession, Sanzenbacher caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown with a nifty one-handed grab against tight coverage.

‘‘In a game like this you want to make plays. You want to leave that last impression,’’ Sanzenbacher said. ‘‘We talked about it before the game — might as well do it now. You might not get another shot.’’

The real McCoy

Rookie cornerback Greg McCoy was ruing a missed tackle that led to a 17-yard pass play from Thaddeus Lewis to Josh Gordon in the third quarter when he got a chance for redemption sooner than he thought.

On the next series, McCoy jumped a short passing route from Lewis to Gordon. But visions of a pick-six appeared thwarted when the ball deflected in the air right to Gordon. The ball fortuitously went through Gordon’s hands, hit off his leg and right to McCoy, who alertly picked it up and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown.

‘‘It should have been a pick-six,’’ McCoy said. ‘‘I figured they were going to come back to the play because that’s the same exact play I missed the tackle on. Just using football smarts and taking risks. All I was thinking was, ‘Get the ball and go.’ ’’

A Golden opportunity

After dropping a third-down pass earlier in the game, Brittan Golden was in the right place at the right time to make up for it. After Patrick Trahan forced a deflected punt, Golden plucked the ball out of the air and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

‘‘I thought Trahan was going to pick it up, but it squirted out and I just picked it up and took off,’’ Golden said. ‘‘It was super exciting. But when you have a dropped pass, it tneds to stick with you.’’

Big game for Adibi

Linebacker Xavier Adibi was a long shot from the time he joined the Bears two weeks into training camp. The only reason he was signed was because the Bears lost three linebackers early in camp. But he gave the coaching staff something to think about.

Adibi, a fourth-round draft pick by the Houston Texans who has played 38 games with eight starts in four NFL seasons, made five tackles in the first quarter — including a sack of Colt McCoy and a tackle-for-loss — of the Bears’ preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

Starting at middle linebacker, Adibi stopped Browns running back Montario Hardesty for a two-yard loss and a one-yard gain on back-to-back plays, leading to a third-and-long interception by Jeremy Jones.

Adibi was on the bench on the next series. But after the Browns drove 30 yards on four plays, Adibi returned and sacked McCoy for a nine-yard loss and the Browns eventually punted.

Pick to click

Jones, a rookie safety from Wayne State, made an impressive interception, leaping to snare a downfield pass and returning it 13 yards to the Browns 20. Josh McCown threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dane Sanzenbacher on the next play.

‘‘Jeremy Jones,’’ Bears coach Lovie Smith said when in his halftime radio interview. ‘‘Great interception, had a couple of good tackes. Showed up.’’

Sights seen

Defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who has been out since Aug. 11 with an ankle injury, went through a strenuous warm-up in uniform prior to the game that was monitored by defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

Paea didn’t play in the game, but he moved well enough to support his contention that he’ll be able to practice next week and possibly play against the Colts in the season opener Sept. 9 at Soldier Field.

Brian Urlacher, who also expects to return to practice next week, was on the sidelines prior to the game and caught up with Dick Jauron, his first head coach in the NFL, who now is the Browns’ defensive coordinator.

Bits & pieces

Armando Allen had five catches for 51 yards in the first half, including an 18-yard gain on a slant as a wide receiver, a 13-yard gain on a screen pass running behind center Edwin Williams and tackle A.J. Greene and an 11-yard touchdown that gave the Bears a 14-0 lead.

◆ Robbie Gould missed a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter, but nailed wo PATs.

◆ Lorenzo Booker rushed for 48 yards on seven carries in the first half.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Six Bears that got it done and three that didn’t
By JOE COWLEY jcowley@suntimes.com August 30, 2012 10:12PM
Updated: August 31, 2012 2:38AM


CLEVELAND — Lovie Smith wasn’t looking to be a destroyer of dreams this week. If anything, the Bears head coach was just trying to be realistic.

Asked if he had ever seen players on the bubble win spots because of what they did in that final preseason game, Smith replied very matter-of-factly, “Not very often. But I think we’ve seen a lot of guys who have performed well, and they confirmed what we were thinking in that last game.’’

That’s one way to look at Thursday night’s final exhibition game against the Browns: A night of confirmation.

Those who got it done

◆ Dane Sanzenbacher, WR — The second-year wide receiver out of Ohio State was already likely locked into a spot when the Bears announced they had released Rashied Davis earlier this week, but Sanzenbacher all but cemented a spot with a nifty one-handed grab for a touchdown in the first quarter.

◆ Xavier Adibi, LB — The athletic linebacker was around the ball all night, including a tackle for a loss and a sack in the first quarter, and then busting up a tipped pass in the third that allowed Greg McCoy to snag the ball out of the air and return the pick for a touchdown.

◆ Jeremy Jones, S — The undrafted free agent rookie had one of the better interceptions of the preseason for the Bears, stepping in front of a Colt McCoy pass. Jones also had some key tackles, putting a nice showing on tape.

◆ Lorenzo Booker and Armando Allen, RBs — Both were fed the ball all night long, not only in the running game, but the passing game. Both answered the bell. Booker (15 carries, 81 yards) was more dynamic running the ball, while Allen (16-for-83) had an 11-yard touchdown catch and also a strip on a Cleveland punt return.

◆ Cheta Ozougwu, DE — The defensive end continued putting pressure on Corey Wootton, picking up his third sack of the preseason in the win over the Browns.

Those who fell short

◆ J.T. Thomas, LB — The Bears had been talking about a better push up front all week, and the only push Thomas showed was getting pushed backwards most of the night. Throw in a few missed tackles on key plays for the Browns, and not the kind of night Thomas needed.

◆ Ricky Henry, G — Henry played like there were other places he would rather be. Will likely be accommodated.

◆ Isaiah Frey, CB — Frey was impressive early on in camp with his aggressiveness, but has looked tentative the last two games.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Thursday’s preseason result: Bears 28, Browns 20
By Sean Jensen sjensen@suntimes.com August 30, 2012 9:36PM

CLEVELAND – It’s anyone’s guess what to expect of the Bears starting offense.

But, on a night when none of the team’s starters or key backups played, the Bears proved one point: their backups and soon-to-be-cut players are superior to that of the Cleveland Browns.

In a 28-20 victory, the Bears wrapped up the preseason 3-1, although that record isn’t fostering too much confidence given the question marks that still remain heading into the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field.

What will the Bears offense look like under new coordinator Mike Tice?

Will Brian Urlacher be in the lineup for the first game and how effective will he be?

Can the Bears mount a credible pass rush, after suspect production in the preseason?

There was no sneak peak or information to be gleaned Thursday night, as mostly backups played for the Bears.

They jumped out to a quick lead, when safety Jeremy Jones made a pretty interception of Colt McCoy. Then, veteran Josh McCown perfectly tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, who made a tough catch with a defender right on him.

In the second quarter, backup running back Armando Allen helped himself, splitting out wide and running a slant pattern to score an 11-yard touchdown.

For the game, he had a game-high 83 rushing yards – fueled by a 49-yarder in the final minutes – as well as a game-high 51 receiving yards. He also returned one kickoff 23 yards.

McCown finished the game 20 of 29 for 157 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Cheta Ozougwu continued his strong preseason with a sack, his third of the preseason.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

McCown makes his case to stick as Bears’ No. 3 QB
August 30, 2012, 11:02 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

CLEVELAND – When Bears coaches were making out the depth chart at quarterback, Josh McCown may have been something of an afterthought. He played like anything but in the Bears’ 28-20 win over the Cleveland Browns in the final preseason game for 2012.

The Bears (3-1) scored touchdowns in all three phases of the game, on a pair of scoring throws from McCown, a return of a blocked punt by receiver Brittan Golden and an interception by rookie cornerback Greg McCoy.

McCown played the entire game in what was perhaps a bubble situation for him and still-fluid situation at No. 3 quarterback. McCown responded by completing 12 of his first 15 passes, including one for a highlight 30-yard TD catch by Dane Sanzenbacher on the Bears; second possession.

“With the third-quarterback situation, it sometimes goes beyond play, with injuries and other things,” said McCown, who finished with 20-of-29 passing for 157 yards, two TDs, an interception and a passer rating of 90.7.

It was McCown’s highest passer rating in a full game since he posted a 125.2 as an Oakland Raider, beating a Denver team quarterbacked by Jay Cutler.

“So we’ll see what happens,” McCown said. “But I’ve got a buddy back home and he hasn’t played in 10 years. He’s 35 and he’d give anything to be in my shoes tonight. Tomorrow isn’t promised to me so I embraced it.

“It’s all up to coaches. For me, just go out and play. Turn the lights on and compete. And there are 10 other guys out there with you and their futures are on the line with you as well. You want to give them a chance to make plays.”

McCown did exactly that, featuring a precision throw in the second quarter to running back Armando Allen for an 11-yard TD.

Whether McCown convinced the organization to stay with a veteran at No. 3 or go young on the practice squad with the likes of Matt Blanchard, released prior to the Giants game, remains to play out on Friday.

“Of course, we had a great chance to see what Josh could do at the end of last year,” said coach Lovie Smith. “He’s capable. I can still see him playing against the Packers and putting us in a position to win.

“He’s been a pro the entire time he’s been here.”

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Allen, Booker in the running til the end; now…
August 30, 2012, 11:15 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

CLEVELAND – Final roster decisions aren’t required to be announced until Friday evening but players were busy working to make some of those decisions by coaches for them.

Several positions warranted close watching even in a game holding little interest beyond several roster spots down the 53-man roster.

Armando Allen and Lorenzo Booker split time against the Browns and gave coaches an interesting decision point: runner or receiver?

Allen started at tailback and appeared to all but lock up the No. 3 running-back spot on the Bears’ first possession. He got in a four-yard carry but more important, picked up 34 yards on three receptions, a versatility that coaches want out of a change-of-pace back behind Matt Forte and Michael Bush.

Allen finished the first half with five catches for 51 yards and a score.

“I feel like I did everything that I could to help our team win and that was the most important thing for us,” Allen said.

But Booker delivered a strong statement with his running, with 31 yards on his first six carries and 17 yards on his seventh.

Allen was back to receive a second-quarter kickoff but Booker has a TD return of 105 yards this preseason to establish his credential as a returner.

The tipping points could have come as late as the fourth quarter. Allen was credited with a forced fumble on a Cleveland punt return, the kind of play that tilts decisions in your favor. That was supplemented with a 49-yard run with 2 minutes remaining in the game to help Allen finish with a game-high 83 yards on 16 carries (5.2 per carry).

“Overall, special teams are big for a No. 3 guy and for this game it was very important to get that fumble,” Allen said.

Booker, who finished with an impressive 81 combined yards on 15 carries, had the misfortune of needing to go into the locker room for evaluation of a head injury.

“Booker and Allen both stepped up and made play after play,” said coach Lovie Smith.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

DT’ing: Collins finishes with roster statement
August 30, 2012, 11:31 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

Nate Collins started at defensive tackle along with Brian Price, the two in tight competition for a roster spot. Colliins, who has had a good preseason and rated an edge on Price, got a heavier share of playing time in the first half but Price produced some disruption at the nose-tackle spot.

Fate may have made the final decision for the Bears. Price was taken to the locker room with a head injury in the third quarter. Price was unavailable for interviews after the game.

Collins remained in the game and in the lead for a possible fifth defensive tackle on the roster. He was credited with three solo tackles in preliminary game stats.

“I felt like I got good ‘looks’ at both nose and three-technique,” said Collins. “Always trying to get to the quarterback, touched him once, so you’re not really satisfied unless you get a sack or something in a game.”

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Safety noticed: Jones’ INT should net spot on Bears
August 30, 2012, 11:21 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

A surprise sparkle for the Bears came from rookie safety Jeremy Jones, who may have flashed his way into a roster spot, certainly at least on the practice squad.

Jones made a superb interception of a Cleveland pass in the first quarter to set up a touchdown pass from Josh McCown to Dane Sanzenbacher. Jones, an undrafted rookie free agent from Wayne State, also earned a halftime citation from coach Lovie Smith.

“I thought Jeremy Jones came in [and stood out],” Smith said. “Great interception. Had a couple of good tackles. He showed up.”

Jones was credited with four solo tackles and a pass defensed in addition to his interception.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Ozougwu coming hard off the edge…again
August 30, 2012, 11:25 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

A second sparkle on defense was provided by rookie defensive end Cheta Ozougwu, who had a near-sack in the first half and then a real one in the second quarter.

Ozougwu, who spent 2011 in camp with the Houston Texans, has been the Bears’ best young pass rusher this preseason. He had a sack and two quarterback hits against the New York Giants, and a sack and two more tackles for loss against the Denver Broncos.

The Bears opened 2011 with two unexpected defensive ends on the roster in Mario Addison and Nick Reed, based on preseason pass rushing. Both were gone in mid-November but the precedent is there for coordinator Rod Marinelli to hang onto edge rushers for his defense.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Reserves lead the way as Bears end preseason with a victory
August 30, 2012, 9:32 pm
ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND -- Quarterback Colt McCoy did little to solidify winning Cleveland's backup job - or impress any other NFL team - and Chicago's Josh McCown threw two touchdown passes in the first half, leading the Bears to a 28-20 victory over the Browns on Thursday night in the exhibition finale.

McCoy, who lost his starting job in training camp to rookie Brandon Weeden, is battling Seneca Wallace to be Cleveland's No. 2 QB. McCoy went 2 of 5 for 16 yards and an interception.

The Bears (3-1) returned an interception and blocked punt for TDs in a 90-second span of the third quarter to pull away from the Browns (2-2).

McCown played the entire game, finishing 20 of 29 for 157 yards and the two TDs. He will sit behind starter Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell.

The Browns are unlikely to keep both McCoy and Wallace on the roster, which must be trimmed to the league-mandated 53-man limit Friday night. Cleveland has discussed trading McCoy, but coach Pat Shurmur has been impressed with the way his former starter has handled his demotion and may want to keep him as insurance should Weeden get hurt.

Shurmur has much more to worry about than naming his backup quarterback.

Cleveland's special teams were bad again, and rookie running back Trent Richardson still hasn't returned after undergoing knee surgery on Aug. 9.

Phil Dawson's 39-yard field goal brought the Browns within 14-10 in the third before the Bears struck quickly.

First, cornerback Greg McCoy picked off Thad Lewis and returned it 15 yards for a TD. Moments later, Bears linebacker Patrick Trahan shoved up-back Rod Windsor into punter Reggie Hodges, whose kick caromed off his teammate's back and Brittan Golden scooped it up and ran 22 yards for the score.

Rookie Adonis Thomas flipped over from the 1 in the fourth to pull Cleveland within 28-17.

Not wanting to risk injury to any of his starters, Shurmur sat almost all of his first-teamers, including Weeden and his entire defense. Shurmur said earlier this week he was pleased with Weeden's development during training camp and feels the 28-year-old is ready to face Philadelphia in the Sept. 9 opener.

Weeden didn't look so smooth last week, fumbling twice as the Eagles hammered the Browns 27-10.

Weeden dressed for the final preseason game but only watched from the sideline as McCoy, who started 13 games last season before being sidelined with a severe concusson, struggled.

On McCoy's first pass, he never took his eyes off Greg Little and nearly got his wide receiver pummeled. When Cleveland got the ball back, McCoy threw high to intended target Jordan Norwood and was intercepted by Chicago backup free safety Jeremy Jones.

On the first play following the turnover, McCown waited for wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher to get behind rookie Trevin Wade, and the Bears' versatile wide receiver made a diving, one-handed TD grab. The play stood following an official replay.

McCoy was lifted after one quarter - 13 total plays - and was replaced by Wallace, a nine-year veteran who has made seven starts in two years with Cleveland. Wallace engineered an 80-yard scoring drive before halftime, capping it with his 2-yard TD pass to Windsor.

As Wallace ran off the field, McCoy greeted his teammate with a tap on the helmet and pat on the back.

Like Shurmur, Bears coach Lovie Smith rested his starters in advance of their home opener against Indianapolis. Fullback Tyler Clutts was the only Bears' first-stringer to start.

Cutler, who threw just one TD pass and completed only 47 percent of his passes in three games, stood on the sideline wearing a baseball cap.

Browns running back Montario Hardesty had six carries for 24 yards, but most importantly he didn't fumble after a turnover in each of the past two games. His roster spot seems secure because of Richardson's uncertain status.

Notes:

Browns rookie LB James-Michael Johnson injured his side in the first half and did not return. Johnson is expected to start if LB Scott Fujita has to serve his 3-game suspension for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. ... Bears NT Brian Price and RB Lorenzo Booker sustained head injuries. ... Cleveland was outscored 35-6 in first quarters during the preseason.