Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Last night’s Chicago Bears-Carolina Panthers preseason opener proved what everyone already knew. The Bears have a long way to go offensively, and some players need work. That is what the preseason is for. Each team uses it as a more intense practice to review tape and work out the kinks.
Needless to say, there are a lot of kinks to work out if they want to have a winning season. But one thing is for sure: the rookies were proving themselves and showing that they can play on Sunday.
Rookies such as Jon Bostic and Kyle Long will definitely find themselves playing in the regular season. Bostic proved his ability and speed by intercepting Cam Newton and returning the interception for a 51-yard touchdown, though he still showed uncertainty with the coverage.
I don’t know if he is ready to fill the gap of Brian Urlacher quiet yet, but I’m sure you’ll see improvements as the preseason goes on that will make him regular season-ready.
Long was everything GM Phil Emery thought he could he. This should come to no surprise. The guy has been a beast in training camp and was a beast his first pro game. He is going to be a major component to improving the offense and protecting the QB.
Last night was an opportunity for the players to review the tape and see themselves in action against actual competition under the bright lights. They can take what they saw and learn from it. The coaches can actually see the players in a less comfortable situation and therefore learn more about their players. Only good things can come from preseason.
Even the rookies that won’t make the starting lineup showed that they are worth watching. However, the ones that do have a fighting chance to start, such as Bostic and Long, have something to prove and they’re going to fight for their right to start.
Meriah Milliken is a Chicago Bears writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeriahMilliken, “Like” her on Facebook, or add her to your Google network.
