Archives for September 5, 2014

‘Bears 28-2.’

‘The Pro Football Hall of Famer underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments during the spring. Earlier tests showed no signs of cancer and follow-up biopsies in Kelly’s jaw also were negative.’

‘"There was no questions on Seantrel’s ability," Whaley said. "He’s a better player than Kouandjio. He would have been probably, maybe the second tackle taken if he didn’t have his issues."’

‘The finishing part is what we have to improve on, but we moved the ball. A lot of games, we moved the ball up and down the field, but the name of the game is scoring. We’ve got to score touchdowns to win games, so that’s a point of emphasis I’m sure the coaching staff is going to stress this week. Hopefully between the execution and the game-planning, we’ll make that happen.’

‘”I haven’t done it in a while, but I did it in the preseason. It felt good to get back out there,” Spiller said Thursday. “The biggest thing is to have ball security and to give the offense the best field possession if I have the opportunity. … I’ve done it before, so it’s nothing new to me. It’s just like second nature, really.”‘

‘Kelly’s wife, Jill, posted a message to her Facebook page of Jim calling their daughter, Erin, who is a way at college, with the results.’

‘Buffalo Bills cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Stephon Gilmore say they’re ready for the challenge on Sunday afternoon in the season opener at Soldier Field.’

‘”This is some of the greatest news I’ve ever gotten,” Kelly said in a prepared statement. “It’s been a long road, and I’m still not back to 100 percent, but I have a lot to be thankful for.”‘

‘On Thursday, Kelly was at Bills practice along with his teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas.’

‘Tight end Lee Smith was the only player to miss practice completely. He is still dealing with a toe injury. Safety Jonathan Meeks was limited by a neck injury on Thursday.’

‘To me there’s no magic to winning. It’s all about preparation and performing. There is no magic wand that you’re going to be waving around in the air. To me, it all comes down to, ‘How well did you prepare throughout the week?’ Brandon Spikes said it well. Can you look in the mirror and say, ‘I prepared for the opponent.’ If you can do that, you can rest easy at night.’

‘Schwartz is one of few defensive coaches who can say he bested a Bears’ offense that soared at times during coach Marc Trestman’s debut season.’

‘Manuel’s accuracy remains a work in progress. He completed 61 percent of his passes during the Bills’ five exhibition games after completing 58.8 percent of his throws during his 10 starts as a rookie last season. Those aren’t woeful numbers by any means. But overall, Manuel’s precision and pocket presence need polish.’

‘”Their D-end alignment is like the old Detroit alignment – wide-9s [defensive ends lined up with an extended split from the offensive tackle], pointed at you,” Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod said. “You know what Mario brings – he’s a big body, explosive. Good hands. Good leverage.”‘