Chargers 28 – Bears 33: What We Learned

Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Fozzy Whittaker (34) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive back Zack Bowman (38) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs – I am confident Edwin Baker and Fozzy Whittaker can carry the load if RM24 goes down. But 24 is not willing to go quietly into Free Agency, he showed out. To the credit of the running game and the blocking (insert Fluker), they averaged 4.9 rushing yards with 141 yards on the night. To put that into perspective they ran 29 running plays, the Bears ran 37 and rushed for only 2 yards more.

Protection – Max Starks was on a team where the QB was never where we was supposed to be. Max, you need to get you hands on the defender because PR doesn’t move much. DJ gave up his first sack, he didn’t give another during the entire time he was in. CBJ played better… I wonder why? PR, 5 step drop, plant your foot, throw it. Shot-gun, snap the ball, throw it. Phillip needs to do his job, better, and stop taking the heat for others not doing theirs.

Overall the 1st stringers got mauled. They went up against a top five maybe top three defense that brought the heat. Yet they still managed to put up 28 points. As time goes on, this is a learning experience for them and they needed to get hit the mouth. They needed to see who was for real and who they could depend on. When I look at the team, I’m not looking at “one” play to define them. I’m not looking for excuses to see how much they are like last seasons team. Because they are not. The team that could not run the ball or protect PR is gone. This is a new O-line and they face “new” challenges. There will be sacks. What i’m looking for is way less then 49 of them. This is pre-season, the large majority of mistakes and miscues are from players that may not play much, or be on the team, learning a new system.