1 Fales fares well
Quarterback David Fales strongly stated his case in the Bears’ final exhibition Thursday against the Browns.
With backup Jimmy Clausen (concussion) and new arrival Zac Dysert watching, Fales completed 14 of 18 passes for 131 yards, touchdowns to Marc Mariani and Ify Umodu and an 134.0 passer rating.
Fales’ best pass was his 11-yard touchdown to Umodu. It came on the run to his right and under pressure.
“It’s just experience being around a bunch of smart guys,” Fales said. “It’s picking up the protections and understanding what’s coming at me.”
Dysert, who was claimed off waivers on Tuesday, replaced Fales in late in the third quarter.
2 Moves up front
Veteran guard Vladimir Ducasse played into third quarter because a good long look was needed.
Ducasse, who started six games last year for the Vikings, is the first option at right guard if Kyle Long shifts over to right tackle. Ducasse was penalized for holding in the third quarter, negating an eight-yard pass by Fales.
Charles Leno Jr. started at left tackle and Jordan Mills on the right side. They were replaced late in the second quarter by Michael Ola and rookie Tayo Fabuluje.
3 Roster watch
Tight end Zach Miller didn’t play – a good sign of his roster status — while veterans Bear Pascoe and Dante Rosario started and played into the fourth quarter … Other notable players getting plenty of snaps included: defensive end Cornelius Washington, safety Brock Vereen and cornerback Terrance Mitchell. … Tight end Khari Lee, who was acquired for a sixth-round pick in 2017, didn’t play until the fourth quarter.
