San Diego Chargers vs. Chicago Bears.
Friday August 18 2006. 8:00 e.t.
Soldier Field. Chicago, Ill.

Philip Rivers will get a rude welcome to the world of NFL starting quarterbacks when the Chargers face off with the Chicago Bears. Chicago’s defense ranked #2 in the NFL yards allowed per game in 2005 (281.8 yards per game), and they will apply constant pressure to the young Charger quarterback. The Bears quarterback situation is up in the air, with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman battling for the starting job. Early betting odds have the Bears as favorites to win the NFC North Division, and the Sportsbook odds will have the Bears as favorites over the Chargers.


Bears breakdown (updated thru August 8)

• They were very good on defense last year and so-so on offense, yet they went strong on defense in the draft.
• Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson left practice Friday night on a cart after injuring his left shoulder.
• Fullback Bryan Johnson, who has spent more than a year battling foot injuries that caused him to miss 13 games over the past two seasons, was felled by an injury to his right hamstring during Saturday's practice.

Chargers breakdown (updated thru August 8)

• Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice Friday with a sore neck, a day after colliding with teammate Igor Olshansky.
• LaDainian Tomlinson returned to practice Saturday, and it might be the only time in August he carries the football at Qualcomm Stadium.
• Chargers general manager A. J. Smith has nothing to show for his first draft pick, spent back in 2003.



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The Chargers are a far superior team to the Bears. Phillip Rivers is the real deal and he will prove it tonight, even though proving things in preseason is like your sophmore year homecoming, all build up and not much action.

PR really did disappoint me with his INT pass. He had PASS TO GATES written on his forehead before he threw it. I am glad that it is a preseason game, and he should walk away learning some good lessons from Pro Bowler Urlaker(sp?).

I am still excited about the season's for these 2 teams.