Chicago And Denver started their preseason off Thursday night at Solider Field. Despite thunderstorms delaying the start to the game, Payton Manning was able to make his first after missing all of last season, and his first start as the quarterback of the Denever Broncos. The Broncos put a preseason beat down on the Chicago Bears winning 31-3. Neither Jay Cutle, Brian Urlacher, or Matt Forte played for the Chicago Bears in their opening game.
- Payton Manning, quarterback, Broncos: Payton Manning went 4-7 with 44 yards passing on the night. Payton Manning also had an interception to Major Wright. Payton Manning looked like the Payton Manning pre-injury, as it looks as though the Broncos decision to drop Tebow for Manning is working in the favor.
- Alshon Jeffery, wide reciever, Bears: The Chicago Bear 2nd round draft pick had 4 catches for 35 yards, giving him a 8.8 yards per catch average in his debut.
- Xavier Omon, running back, Broncos: Omon was selected 179th in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Omon spent 2 years with the Bills before making his way to Denver this season. Omon had 7 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown on the night. Omon also had 1 catch for 4 yards in the only ball thrown to him.
- Shea McClellin, defensive end, Bears: The Bears first round draft pick had 3 solo tackles in his Bears debut to go along with 1 sack as well. McClellin impressed me with his ability to stay off the blockers and follow the quarterback thorughout the night.
- Jeremy Beal, defensive end, Broncos: The Broncos 7th round pick. Jeremy Beal, made some heads turn after having 2 sacks in his first action in his second season. Beal had 3 solo tackles including the 2 sacks on the night.
The stand out of the night for each team would have to be Alshon Jeffery for the Chicago Bears, and Xavier Omon for the Denver Broncos.
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