It's hard to not be excited for NFL Preseason. Following all the controversy in baseball these past few months, NFL's preseason couldn't have started sooner. The Chicago Bears' schedule has the San Diego Chargers on the sled for Week 2. Both teams will be hooking up for a Friday Night game that will air on ESPN.
We will prep you with all the TV info as the date approaches. For now, let's look at the matchups and what each team did in their first week in the NFL Preseason.
The Chargers had the tough duty of playing against a super talented Seattle Seahawks roster in Week 1. The Seahawks looked like they were in midseason form as they pounded the Chargers 31-10. Ryan Mathews showed great signs in Week 1. Though it was a small sample size the Chargers starting back went for 19 yards in three carries, averaging 6.3 per carry. Fozzy Whittaker had 14 carries for 38 yards for a not so very impressive performance. Another bright light was quarterback Brad Sorensen, the Chargers' seventh-round pick. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.
For the Bears, it was a tough Week 1 preseason, but the good news is that it's just practice. Jay Cutler had an almost perfect outing, going 6/8 with 56 yards passing, but he threw an interception. Matt Blanchard had a huge game, going 15/18 for 194 yards, but he also had an interception. It was not a surprise to see the Bears' defense provide some offense. Jon Bostic, linebacker and the Bears' second round pick, returned a 51-yard interception for the score, which initially helped the Bears tie the game against the Carolina Panthers. They lost 17-24, but it's great to see a player step up our of the linebacker position for the Bears.
The Chargers don't look capable of controlling the Bears' offense. After a dominant Week 1, the Bears should give quarterback Blanchard more touches in Week 2. It will be great practice for these young players on both rosters to get a feel for what it is to play in front of a huge crowd. Not only for the fans watching live, but for the viewers watching at home. Both teams missed the playoffs last year and they are looking to fill in their needs with what is currently on their roster.
Don't miss the action on Friday as we will bring you scoring updates, TV info and a free online live stream for this game.