Instant analysis of Bears’ 21-20 preseason win vs. Browns
The Bears traveled to Cleveland for their final preseason game Saturday against the Browns, winning 21-20 to improve to 3-0.
The game’s highlight was quarterback Justin Fields going 14-of-16 for 156 yards and three touchdowns. But most importantly, he wasn’t sacked during the offensive series he played.
Fields threw touchdowns to tight ends Cole Kmet, Ryan Griffin, and wide receiver Dante Pettis. It was a great look at what we had heard about the Luke Getsy offense. Fields was on the move, using his legs to press the defense and make throws. We also saw the role tight ends might play in this offense.
Defensively, the Bears looked great, holding the Browns to six points in the first half. Browns interim starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was held to 109 yards and one interception on 13-of-23 passing. As a result, fans in Cleveland expecting the playoffs with Deshaun Watson might be waiting until 2023.
The defense finished with zero sacks, but true to the Eberflus system, generated takeaways, and committed no penalties in the first half.
After a great preseason, the Bears now have to cut 27 players to get to their final 53-man roster by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT. Then, the San Francisco 49ers come to town on Sept. 11 at Noon for Week 1 of the NFL season.
While Vegas projected the Bears to be one of the worst teams in the league, it’s hard to temper expectations following this preseason and the performance by Fields. With expectations this low, the Bears could surprise a few people.
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Bears vs. Browns: Everything we know about the Bears' preseason finale win
