Jaguars vs. Bears Recap: 5 Things We Learned
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears matched up against each other for the lone NFL preseason game last night, with the Bears taking the narrow win, 20-19.
No one really cares about the score of a preseason game, but there were still some really interesting things to take away from an otherwise meaningless game.
Let’s break down the top five things we learned from Thursday night’s game:
1. Blake Bortles Should Probably Start
After a very solid pro debut a week ago, all eyes were on Jacksonville’s young franchise passer and Bortles did not disappoint. Bortles looked even better in his second preseason game, as he connected on 11 of 17 passes for 160 yards and helped move the Jaguars up and down the field. Bortles looked to be very much in command of the offense, as he looked comfortable in the pocket and extended plays with his solid mobility.
Starter Chad Henne was also solid, so the Jaguars will continue to play the “Henne is our starter” game leading into week one. Jacksonville has said the entire time that Bortles will sit for most (if not all) of his rookie season, but he’s certainly giving them reason to question that decision.
2. Toby Gerhart Gets His Feet Wet
Gerhart had previously missed practice time, as well as the Jags’ first preseason game, thanks to a hip issue. He’s back to 100% now, and looked solid in his 2014 debut. He busted off a very nice 18-yard run, while his running up the middle was more than adequate. Jacksonville inexplicably used a laterally challenged Gerhart on some questionable sweeps, though, which took away a lot of his positive runs. He finished his Jaguars debut with 19 rushing yards on five carries, as well as one reception for an eight yard gain.
Jacksonville may want to re-think exactly what kind of runs they’ll use in their offense, but Gerhart clearly showed in a brief appearance that he can move the pile and catch passes. He figures to be Jax’s feature back in 2014.
3. Jay Cutler is in Top Form
Cutler looked very solid during his time on the field on Thursday night, given him two quality showings so far in preseason action. Most of his success was thanks to immaculate pass protection, as Cutler truly had a ridiculous amount of time to throw just about every ball. His poise and accuracy were on full display, though, as he hit some nice passes and even tossed a touchdown to favorite target, Brandon Marshall.
4. Chicago Injury Scares
Cutler’s other favorite target, Alshon Jeffery, gave the team a scare when he made a nice catch and took a hit to the back while on the ground. Fans held their breath in fear Jeffery could have sustained a head or neck injury on the late hit, but Jeffery ended up being okay. The Bears took him out for the remainder of the game as a precaution.
Rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller also was served a scare in this one, as he turned his angle awkwardly as he covered a receiver. His x-rays came back negative, though, so he isn’t expected to miss any time.
5. Marqise Lee’s Effort Was Better
Rookie wide receiver Marqise Lee caught some heat from his coaching staff after a weak effort in his pro debut last week, and he decided to make up for it in Jacksonville’s second preseason game. Lee still has to prove he’s ready to take on full-time starter responsibilities, but judging by his second NFL game, he just might be. Lee hauled in all four of his targets for 27 receiving yards, while also catching a short pass in stride for a touchdown. He has loads of upside heading into his first NFL season.
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