Todd Collins played a solid half of football to set up the Bears to win their fourth game, but the Browns came back with a late interception and last second field goal to win the game 13-10.
The loss left the Bears winless for the preseason, but showcased veteran free agent Todd Collins' skills.
Signed just 10 days ago, Collins started the game getting his feet wet, mostly handing the ball off or throwing short passes. But he quickly settled into a comfort zone and after a first-quarter Browns fumble set the Bears up just outside the red zone, Collins and Co. capitalized. The 38-year-old vet sent a perfect pass to Greg Olsen in the end zone, putting the Bears up 7-0.
That doesn't mean Collins was perfect. He and backup center Josh Beekman got their signals crossed on a shotgun snap and the ball sailed high. As Collins called for a timeout, Beekman snapped the ball. Collins missed it, and the Browns recovered, setting up their first score. But over all he was impressive.
But Collins wasn't alone in looking good. Chester Taylor, who is expected to start behind Matt Forte at running back, put in a short but strong night of work. Taylor picked up 23 yards on four carries, including a 10-yard run to start the game.
Most of the Bears stars did not play. Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs all sat out. Urlacher and Briggs were nursing injuries, while Cutler and Forte were kept on the sidelines for the unimportant fourth pre-season game.
For this game, it was more important for players who are on the bubble of making the team to have big performances. Two players who stepped up were wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias and Jarron Gilbert. Iglesias hauled in a 39-yard pass from Collins while Gilbert sacked Colt McCoy. Rashied Davis also had a strong game, giving him a good shot at a roster spot.
This was the last chance for the Bears to impress their coaches before the final 53-man roster is set on Saturday.
