Hawks Preseason Game No. 2: Da Bears, Da Hawks

Preseason football – where the score means nothing, but the injuries could last a lifetime. Saturday’s fake game No. 2 for the Hawks will match them up against a Bears team trying to find some traction on offense.

Bears fans have been treated to the crap show that is Kyle Orton vs. Rex Grossman. Things have been so dire at the quarterback position, fans are clamoring to see more of undrafted rookie Caleb Hanie.

While enjoying said crap show, here are some other things I’ll be paying attention to Saturday as I get reacquainted with the Hawks Nest:

Secondary: If Chicago starting quarterback Rex Grossman comes out 9 for 11, for 125 yards and a touchdown, we should make assistant head coach/secondary coach Jim Mora do laps and up-downs until he admits he’d rather have the Washington Huskies job next year. My previous post on this subject lays out why I think the secondary may not be tested too much. Also, the Bears seem to be having as many problems at the wide receiver spot as the Seahawks.

Quarterback: Third stringer Charlie Frye has been getting a lot of work this week while starter Matt Hasselbeck rests a sore back. And all indications are Frye will play most if not all of the game on Saturday. Not a lot of press about backup and debate topic favorite Seneca Wallace. Maybe we see him in some receiver formations? Probably wishful thinking, considering he played so well in the preseason opener and Hasselbeck is nicked up. But it could happen if Frye shows he can manage the offense.

Running back: It’s Julius Jones’ turn to start this week at halfback. The plan is to use Jones and Maurice Morris in tandem. Does Morris pick up where he left off against the Vikings last week? Will T.J. Duckett show up and not fumble the football? Fullback Leonard Weaver has been a little dinged up, so we may see more of fan favorite Owen Schmitt. The rookie out of West Virginia already has a fan club, calling themselves “Schmitt Happens.” I’m going to guess that they may even knock back a few canned beverages that feature a variation of the fullback’s last name along with scenic scenes of deer and fish. And if they do, please e-mail me and let me know where you’re tailgating.

Receivers: Ugh. I know I should feel good about all the young receivers getting reps and playing time, but this is killing me. I’d like to see Courtney Taylor and Ben Obomanu produce the way everyone is saying they can. The Michael Bumpus local-ish boy makes good is a nice story, but I don’t know if the “he’s in the competition” quotes ring of a come-from-nowhere playmaker in waiting. I hope I’m wrong. It doesn’t help that Hasselbeck isn’t throwing to these guys more in practice because of his back injury.

Defensive end: Rookie Lawrence Jackson is a big strong man who is going to get a lot of playing time. With Patrick Kerney being held back by a calf injury most of camp, Jackson has been able to step in with the first team defense and make plays. Last week Jackson forced a fumble and recorded a sack against the Vikings.