Preseason in the NFL is a time that is used differently by coaches to some extent but for the most part it all boils down to a few goals looking to get accomplished.
Roster spots are on the line for some hopefuls as they attempt to make the most of their playing time. In addition, getting those starters back acclimated to game speed is key as well. But the preseason can also help build continuity for the coming season, especially with a quarterback and new receiver.
After the Chicago Bears got past the Washington Redskins on Saturday 33-31 something really interesting unfolded before all. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler might be in for a huge season.
It was just their first time together in a game and a limited one at that, but the Jay Cutler – Brandon Marshall show could be a huge hit this season based on early glimpses.
The Bears are coming off a year where they ranked 26th in the NFL in passing with just 188.2 yards per game. Realizing this is just the preseason and only one game under their belt, it was still quite evident that some special things are going to evolve between those two.
The first play from scrimmage Marshall hauled in a 41-yard pass and not long later, Cutler found him on a third down pass for 17 yards. Doesn’t seem like much, but there seems to be a buzz brewing in Chicago.
The Bears should be in for a huge year. The Marshall addition along with receivers Devin Hester and Alshon Jeffery, as well as the running back duo of Michael Bush and Matt Forte are going to be a big problem for opposing defenses. Keying on one player will not be an option with so many weapons on the field.
It was just one game and a preseason one at that. But the Bears running game has never been an issue really, it was their air attack that was horrible a year ago. The weapons are in place to improve the passing game and based on early indications, they are headed in the right direction.
The Detroit Lions’ current duo of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson has been one of the best ever in the NFL, but this newly-found Cutler-Marshall deal could wind up being just as special and more importantly for the Bears, very productive.