NEWSLETTER
If you blink, you might miss something worthwhile.
The Chicago Bears’ first-team offense is expected to make its preseason debut against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight, which means we’ll see Mitch Trubisky under center in a (somewhat) meaningful setting for the first time since the 2017 season finale. Much has changed around Trubisky, who is working in a new offense with new coaches, teammates, and terminology. In an ideal world, we’ll get our first look at an offense that will resemble something that can put up points at a respectable rate.
To be clear, expectations should be low for this game. If you expect Trubisky and the rest of the first-teamers are going to spend more than a few series on the field, now would be a good time to get your bearings right. After all, it’s preseason for all of us here at BNB.
The goals tonight are simple: Show an understanding of the offense’s basic concepts and an ability to execute against an actual NFL defense, display some growth, and provide something that can serve as an example that you’re not making the same mistake twice.
Oh, and come away healthy. That probably should be the No. 1 priority if you really think about it.
Game Info
Chicago Bears (2017: 5-11, 4th NFC North) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-9, 3rd AFC North) – FOX-TV (Adam Amin, Jim Miller); WBBM-AM 780, FM 105.9 (Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, Mark Grote)
Site: Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio
Referee (via FootballZebras.com): Alex Kemp
Odds: Bengals -1.5, Over/Under 35.5, via Bovada.lv
Game Thread
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun. And hopefully, we can keep the good times rolling throughout the preseason and into the regular season.
Coaches
Bears Matt Nagy (first year with team) vs. Bengals Marvin Lewis (125-112-3)
Projected Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks
Bears: Mitch Trubisky: 2,193 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 59.4 completion percentage, 77.5 quarterback rating (12 games in 2017)
versus
Bengals: Andy Dalton: 3,320 yards, 25 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 59.9 completion percentage, 86.6 passer rating (16 games in 2017)
