The axiom that you can learn more from a loss than from a victory may be true, but the Bears prefer to show St. Louis what they learned from Monday night’s 27-24 exhibition win over Miami.
In the last two seasons, the Bears only scored 27 points in a game three times, and then they typically needed defensive help to do so. Against the Dolphins the defense managed no takeaways or scores. Instead, No. 1 tailback Thomas Jones averaged 4.7 yards on his 10 carries.
Either way, they’ll be without top draft pick Cedric Benson. Bears management and Eugene Parker resumed communication late Wednesday in an attempt to end the holdout of Parker’s client. The running back missed his 19th day Thursday.
With deals done on either side of Benson, who was drafted fourth overall, there is optimism Benson could be signed in time for the Bears’ next scheduled practice Sunday.
Benson’s camp has made clear to the Bears that No. 4 picks historically have signed for closer to No. 3 picks rather than the difference between Nos. 3 and 5. Cleveland reportedly paid Braylon Edwards $18.5 million in guaranteed money. No. 5 pick Cadillac Williams received $15.1 million.
– – –
4.7
Better hurry, Cedric: Thomas Jones ran well Monday, averaging
4.7 yards per carry.
Camp Illini
Sure, the Bears train in Bourbonnais, but skip down I-57 and hit
Illinois’ camp for some more preseason football.
WHERE
The grounds of the former Chanute Air Force Base on the southern edge of Rantoul.
WHEN
Camp continues through Aug. 20. Two-a-day workouts are scheduled at 8 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Single practice sessions, every other day, begin at 3:30 p.m. All workouts are open to the public and free.
VIEWING AREA
Fans can sit on bleachers at the main practice field.
–Associated Press
