Bears Beat Browns in Final Preseason Game

The Bears took the battle of the back-ups on Thursday night, beating the Browns 24-14 at Soldier Field.

Caleb Hanie solidified his role as the No. 2 quarterback with a quarter's worth of good work. The offensive line gave him all the protection he needed as he threw a TD pass to Johnny Knox into double coverage. It was the first touchdown pass the Bears threw in the pre-season.

In the battle of running backs, Chester Taylor -- who wasn't sure he had a job on the team earlier this week -- ran for 27 yards in the first quarter. If the Bears were looking to put him on display for a trade, he presented himself nicely.

Robert Hughes, a Notre Dame and Morgan Park alum, also inserted himself into the running back discussion with two touchdowns on 69 yards. His big, bruising style worked well for the Bears as he did something that has been difficult for Bears running backs. He scored from the one-yard line.

Dane Sanzenbacher also impressed. He made four catches for 50 yards, and played on special teams as well. Near the end of the game, he returned a punt for 60 yards, but it was called back because of a holding a penalty.

On the defensive end, Nick Reed and Mario Addison have taken advantage of starting on D-line by playing like animals. Filling in for Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije, who were given the night off, Addison scored two tackles, while Reed was in on nearly every play. He broke up a pass, made a tackle and hurried the Browns QB and a sack in the second half.

It wasn't all good news, though, as running back Kahlil Bell (ankle) and safety Craig Steltz (hip) left the game with an injury.

With temperatures at Soldier Field in the 90s, both teams went into Thursday's game winning just one each in their preseason schedules.

The 2011-2012 season officially kicks off next week. On Sept. 11, the Bears host the Atlanta Falcons while the Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals.

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