Look, Bears fans, it’s only exhibition, and it’s not necessarily a sign of things to come.
Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their first exhibition game last year against the Philadelphia Eagles, and then won the Super Bowl, but that means nothing to superstitious sports fans, right?
The news from the Chicago Sun-Times:
Those expecting Jay Cutler to immediately transform the Chicago Bears into a pass-happy offense had better be patient.
Cutler came out throwing against Buffalo in his Bears’ preseason debut Saturday night, but missed as many attempts as he completed — not including the one he had intercepted in a 27-20 loss. So much for the much-anticipated buzz — including all the No. 6 Bears jerseys sold — that centered on the Pro Bowl quarterback Chicago acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade with Denver.
The Bills’ offense, even minus Terrell Owens, out nursing a sprained toe, was much more efficient in 80-plus-degree and muggy conditions. And Buffalo got plenty of help from its defense, which generated four turnovers, including two interceptions by rookie Ellis Lankster.
Bills starter Trent Edwards finished 10 of 10 for 79 yards, and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick went 13 of 16 for 143 yards. The Bills broke open the game early in the fourth quarter by scoring twice in 34 seconds, both scores set up following Lankster’s interceptions of third-string quarterback Brett Basanez.
Bills third-stringer Gibran Hamdan hit rookie Shawn Nelson for a 3-yard touchdown to put Buffalo ahead 20-13. Then Bruce Hall scored on a 4-yard plunge. Combined, Buffalo’s four quarterbacks went 29 of 34 for 265 yards.
Buffalo defeated Chicago for only the second time in 14 preseason meetings (2-11-1), and bounced back from a 21-18 loss to Tennessee in the Hall of Fame game last weekend.
Look. It’s pre-season. A win would’ve been great, but Da Bears are a work in progress.
The Sun-Times called it an “uninspiring performance.”
This is Da Bears. They won the Super Bowl once, and can do it again.
Screw the Sun-Times.
Heraclitus said, “You can’t step in the same river twice.”
Chicago, there is still hope.