Chicago picked up its first win of the preseason on Thursday, and as is the case across the league this time of year, there were there were takeaways both good and bad. The Bears' offense wasn't particularly effective despite a 33-point effort; they managed just 185 total yards. On the other hand, there were encouraging moments on the defensive side, where second-year defensive end Shea McClellin showed signs of growth.
Chargers vs. Bears: Shea McClellin impresses as Chicago picks up 1st win
Defensive end may be a position of strength for Chicago in 2013.
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor
Windy City Gridiron’s Steven Schweickert came away from the game impressed not only with McClellin, but with the Bears’ overall depth at defensive end:
Shea McClellin abused the daylights out of Max Starks, the Chargers' LT, for a sack/forced fumble on Philip Rivers. Pure speed rush with enough power to just get around Starks and deliver a heavy hit. I have to admit, for as much as the Bears' defensive tackle depth scares me, the Bears currently look three-deep in ends that can do damage.
McClellin wasn’t a huge factor for Chicago as a rookie in 2012 -- he appeared in 14 games and logged just 14 tackles -- but perhaps that’s about to change. He wasn’t the only young guy to make an impression Thursday, either. Rookie linebacker Jon Bostic laid a huge hit on San Diego wide receiver Mike Willie during a screen play gone horribly wrong.
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