Five major takeaways from the Chicago Bears loss to the Browns

There is a huge need at outside linebacker

I was really impressed with the play of outside linebacker Lamarr Houston, early in this game. His best play was the tackle-for-loss, in which he was able to push the offensive guard back into the Browns’ running back.

Unfortunately, Houston had to leave the game with a knee injury. The fact that Houston, a proven veteran, is out there playing in the second half of the fourth preseason irks me to no end, which is also on Fox. I understand that the Chicago Bears were limited at the position because Dan Skuta and Sam Acho have minor injuries, but come on. The game is absolutely meaningless at this point, especially when it comes down to playing veterans with an injury history.

Houston has torn his ACL two times in three seasons, and if this is another torn ACL, then it will be the third time in four years. So, I ask again, John Fox, why is he playing this late into the game? I would rather have backup safety Chris Prosinski playing at outside linebacker over Houston, at that point in time, as silly as that sounds.

With Pernell McPhee‘s status in question, general manager Ryan Pace will likely be exploring the waiver wire for outside linebackers, after cuts are made this weekend.