What I learned from the Bears' preseason loss to the Titans

In the last major week of preseason action for Chicago Bear starters, the signs of progress were clear. Even in a 14-13 loss to the Chris Johnson-less Titans, Bear fans finally saw a glimmer of hope for the coming season. Here are my takeaways from Saturday’s exhibition:

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His first game catch as a Bear is well timed, coming on the first throw of the game. Unfortunately, the next throw tips off Williams’ hands and ends up as an interception. As hit-or-miss as he’s been, the Bears need Williams this season. He just might need them more.

After the initial drive that ended in an interception, the Bear offense exploded with three third down conversions to three different receivers (Hester, Bennett, Sanzenbacher) on a 12-play drive that ended with Matt Forte punching it in for six. On the whole, Mike Martz’s offense looked crisp while the starters were on the field, converting five of their seven third down chances. Jay Cutler’s offseason work is clearly evident in his play. His footwork is as clean as I’ve ever seen it, making his delivery clean and on-target. On several drives on Saturday, Jay stepped up in the pocket and made quick decisions followed by accurate throws. He hit eight different receivers in the first half while never taking a sack. He’s ready for the regular season.

Just as prepped for game action is Matt Forte, who had another stellar preseason outing, accumulating 74 yards on 17 carries. Behind an offensive line that is really coming into its own on run-blocking (aided by new TE Matt Spaeth), Forte is set for a successful 2011 campaign.

Despite the troubles surrounding Williams, I’ve reached an epiphany this preseason. The Bears now have five legitimate wide receivers. Devin Hester may not be a number one, but in this offense he’ll make his fair share of big plays. Johnny Knox might work harder than anyone, especially now that he’s been demoted. Earl Bennett is Mr. Reliable, going over the middle and catching everything in sight. Roy’s the most experienced of the group and has the size to make a difference. And I’m pleasantly surprised by what I’ve seen from Dane Sanzenbacher. In the Martz scheme, he could serve as a great slot receiver.

-The third drive of the game, which was certainly as solid as the second, ended in a missed field goal by Robbie Gould. As posed by the announcers, it’s worth discussing if Gould is still acclimating to punter Adam Podlesh as his holder. Being with Brad Maynard for so long could put Gould off of new ball handlers. (Giggity.)

- Lovie’s defense got a productive night from his interior defensive line rotation, with plays coming from Matt Toeaina and Amobi Okoye, who certainly has to make this team with his play thus far. What was most interesting to me was Julius Peppers lining up over the offensive guard at defensive tackle for multiple plays. Getting him on the inside should create more than a few speed mismatches against the slower guards, especially if the ends can clear out any offensive tackles that might double up on him.

- Later on, the Titans began to solve the Bear defense, hitting all open areas in Lovie’s Cover-Two scheme. A missed tackle by Major Wright (no surprise) leads to the Titan’s first touchdown. Without Chris Johnson, the Titans offense didn’t have a lot going for it, so the Bears were decidedly lax as the game drew on.

- Caleb Hanie killed his first long drive of the game with a poor interception on a throw where there were no Bear receivers in the area, leading to a game-sealing pick-six.

Okay everyone, get ready for one scrub-filled contest on Thursday! And then… it’s time for some REAL FOOTBALL!