Johnny Knox did his best Devin Hester impression Saturday night when he returned a kickoff 70 yards near the end of the first quarter. But the Chicago Bears couldn't do much with the short field and punted after the Buffalo Bills pushed them back ten yards.
So the Chicago Bears opened the 2011 preseason at Soldier Field much the same way the closed the 2010 season despite a score that suggested otherwise.
Offensive lineman had trouble protecting quarterback Jay Cutler during his one series or opening holes for the run game.
Cutler was pressured twice and sacked once during the first series of he preseason. Running backs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor barely notched any positive yardage in their game action and the only run of significance during the opening series came from Cutler who tucked the ball on third and long and took off running for a first down.
Caleb Hanie, who ran for a score in the second quarter, fared a little better, and the line was able to open some holes for bruising back Marion Barber.
Plenty of attention will be paid to the revamped offensive line, which lost veteran center Olin Kreutz during the off season, and all indications are the unit will need some work.
On the other side of the ball, however, the Bears flashed some bright spots. Tackle Henry Melton, the heir apparent to Tommie Harris, made a couple of impressive run stops and showed speed in getting off the snap.
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Safety Major Wright displayed some pop and Cornerback Tim Jennings drew an offensive pass interference call that helped save a score.
The Bills managed a field goal to take the first quarter lead.
On a sour note, second year Defensive End Corey Wootton left the game with a knee injury.
