Rapid Reaction: Bears 28, Browns 20

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 09:58 PM

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bear...s-28-browns-17

Rapid Reaction: Bears 28, Browns 20

August, 30, 2012 Aug 30
9:33
PM CT

By Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com

CLEVELAND -- Devoid of star power on the field, the Chicago Bears still managed to provide excitement with the reserves in a 28-20 win over the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night in the exhibition finale.

Here’s a closer look:

What it means: That finally, it’s time for the regular season. But the Bears have several difficult roster decisions to make at some of the depth positions, which really is a good problem to have and a credit to what the personnel department has done in acquiring talent while working with new general manager Phil Emery.

The Bears end the preseason in fairly good shape health-wise, although Brian Urlacher -- recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee -- remains perhaps the club’s biggest concern headed into the regular-season opener. The Bears start prepping next week for the Sept. 9 opener against rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

No star power: Looking to rest most of the frontline contributors for the regular-season opener, the Bears utilized several lesser-known players as starters. The club operated with Josh McCown as the starting quarterback, with Edwin Williams at center, A.J. Greene at left guard and James Brown at left tackle. Ricky Henry manned the right guard spot, while Cory Brandon played right tackle.

The Bears alternated running backs Armando Allen and Lorenzo Booker through the first half. At receiver, the club worked in Dane Sanzenbacher, Eric Weems, and Joe Anderson along with Terriun Crump and Brittan Golden.

On defense, the front four consisted of Corey Wootton, Nate Collins, Brian Price and Chauncey Davis with cornerbacks Isaiah Frey and Jonathan Wilhite and safeties Mark LeGree and Jeremy Jones handling the back end. Xavier Adibi, J.T. Thomas and Jabara Williams played the three linebacker spots.

Jones shines: Unexpectedly, undrafted rookie Jeremy Jones received the start at safety opposite Mark LeGree, and Smith praised the Wayne State product for his play in the first half. Jones finished the first half with three tackles and an interception that set up the club’s first touchdown, a 30-yard scoring strike from Josh McCown to Dane Sanzenbacher.

“I thought Jeremy Jones came in (and stood out),” Smith said. “Great interception; had a couple of good tackles. He showed up.”

Jones’ interception came on a Colt McCoy pass intended for Jordan Norwood. Jones returned the pick 13 yards to set up the Bears at the Cleveland 30.

Adibi makes impact: Signed by the Bears on Aug. 11, Xavier Adibi put together a performance against the Browns that might add difficulty to the club’s decision process at the linebacker position on final cutdown day.

Adibi started his night with a tackle for a 2-yard loss, followed by a sack. By the halfway point of the third quarter, the fifth-year veteran had racked up seven tackles. A former standout at Virginia Tech, Adibi has started eight games in the NFL, which likely gives the staff a level of comfort about his ability to fill in at any of the linebacker spots. Considering the position lacks depth overall, Adibi seems to have a good chance to stick on the final roster.

Adibi was shaken up in the third quarter, but walked off the field unassisted.

Explosive plays: The Bears increased their lead to 28-10 in the third quarter on a couple of explosive plays by rookies Greg McCoy and Brittan Golden.

Jumping a short route by Browns receiver Josh Gordon, McCoy broke up a Thaddeus Lewis pass with the incompletion bouncing off the back of Gordon’s leg. McCoy possessed the presence of mind to snatch the loose ball and romp 15 yards for the score.

Brittan, meanwhile, scooped up a blocked punt by second-year linebacker Patrick Trahan and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

McCoy is a seventh-round pick out of TCU, while Golden went undrafted out of West Texas A&M.

Price injured: Defensive tackle Brian Price took a knee to the helmet in the third quarter and was taken to the locker room for evaluation. The Bears classified Price as having a head injury, but no further details were immediately available.

The Bears traded a seventh-round pick in late July to acquire Price from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and early on, he couldn’t even make it through a full workout at training camp. Having dealt with physical issues and personal tragedies throughout his brief career, Price gradually improved conditioning at camp and had been making flash plays in practice and preseason games.

Price came into the exhibition finale with four tackles in three outings, and started opposite Nate Collins against the Browns.

What’s next: The Bears must cut to the final 53-man roster Friday by the 8 p.m. CST deadline. After that, the club begins preparation for Week 1 against the Colts at Soldier Field.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 10:02 PM

And the recap:

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=320830005

Bears 28, Browns 20

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. Game 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. ---(equals) http://bigstory.ap.org/NFL-Pro32 and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press

**rich1978** · 08-30-2012, 10:07 PM

Clutts, Quigley and Booker the stand-outs. McCown shown to be a solid #3 QB. Lets hope he never sees the pitch, but if he does then we could do worse.

Overall fairly encouraging (as much as 4th game of pre-season ever can be)

Roll on week one baby!

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 10:14 PM

I really hope they release McCown, no need for a 3rd qb when you have a franchise guy and a really good experienced #2. Chances are McCown would be coaching HS again if something happens to both.

Good to hear Clutts made a statement. Just wondering though(game isn't on until late sat here) how did Allen not make a statement w/a 40+ yard run and an 18+ yard td rec?

**Blue Horse-shoe** · 08-30-2012, 10:41 PM

I think Booker is a little quicker and stronger than Allen and is a hair better as a pure RB.
Allen did look good catching the ball - but how many times a year do RB's catch TD passes on slant routes ?
Some of this could just be over rated preseason stuff , that doesn't wind up translating to real Sunday fb.
If it was my choice I'd pick Booker but I think they'd both be OK whichever one they choose.

**Papa Bear** · 08-30-2012, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Blue Horse-shoe

I think Booker is a little quicker and stronger than Allen and is a hair better as a pure RB.
Allen did look good catching the ball - but how many times a year do RB's catch TD passes on slant routes ?
Some of this could just be over rated preseason stuff , that doesn't wind up translating to real Sunday fb.
If it was my choice I'd pick Booker but I think they'd both be OK whichever one they choose.

I have to agree. Plus, Booker has looked pretty good on returns so that adds another dimension to his game which I think will tip the scales in his favor.

**soulman** · 08-30-2012, 10:45 PM

I love......little baby ducks, old pickup trucks.....ah not that again. No more Tom T. Hall

OK, who did I like in this game.

Clutts without a doubt. He proved he could catch and he didn't miss one block that I could see.

Booker vs Allen mainly because he's a better runner. Shiftier and knows how to power for a yard or two when he's stopped. Much like Bell he doesn't lose yardage. He's smart enough to go North/South when he has no other choice. Allen looks good as a receiver and has mad speed but he's a slasher who needs a lane and he'll stop and dance when there's no hole. I'd go with the vet and see if I couldn't sneak Allen onto the PS.

Ricky Henry is one mean ass "bulldozer" of an OG. That kid can block. Gotta find a spot for him because to me he looks like he should be the #2 OG.

McCown can manage a good game but he simply doesn't have the arm to push the long ball. Perfect #2 for somebody who runs a WCO and I hope somebody finds him worth it because we should let him go.

Collins played another good game and Price made some nice plays before he got hurt. Ozougwu may make the team based on his pass rush skills. Wootton still hasn't picked it up to the level expected on the rush and he may lose out.

Jones looks like he'll make the PS

Sanz show why Cutler wants him around.

James Brown and Cory Brandon played pretty well at OT and EWill is good enough to backup Garza.

Who I didn't like.

I'll help Frey pack in the AM. He's useless. Can't cover, can't contain, can't tackle probably can't tie his shoelaces without his momma.

Golden doesn't have as good of hands as advertised and none of the WRs did much. If we kept one for the PS then maybe Anderson or Crump based on size and STeams play.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 10:51 PM

That's a hell of a place to be BHS. Thanks for the input.

My take, looking at what both have done previously. Booker has been in the league longer and you know what you're getting, a solid if not unspectacular back and good ST guy no ceiling but no floor either, you know what to expect. Allen is all youth and potential, so he has a higher ceiling and a lower basement. I would assume he's also cheaper in cap, and you can afford to keep around for 3-4 years if you so choose(while Booker will be 30 in 2 years). I'll be happy w/either..or both.

**Blue Horse-shoe** · 08-30-2012, 11:09 PM

I disagree on Frey Soul . I think he was in the right place and made all the plays any normal CB makes based on how plays developed around him. Ain't saying he showed enough to make the team, but wasn't as bad (imo) as u suggest.

**Riczaj01** · 08-30-2012, 11:14 PM

Soul, if we keep one of those wr's, I hope it's anderson, he showed in NY that he's able to make the tough catches and get yac w/guys drapped on him. Have to wait until Sat to watch the game and get a full idea of what happened.

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