I know, it's only a part of the first preseason game. The problem is that based on the last three years, Bears fans are looking for signs- anything- that this will be the year they return to relevance.

Yes, it's come to that: settling for relevance rather than contention.

There have been a lot of opinions about the Bears' issues and none are more critical than the offensive line. For all of Jay Cutler's shortcomings last season, most can attributed to the atrocious pass protection and total absence of a running game. The rushing struggles were the most alarming as running back Matt Forte looked like he was the kind of back the Bears could rely on for years to come.

However last season he took a major step back, reportedly due to nagging injuries that kept him from training at full speed during the offseason, blah, blah, blah.

Last night showed San Diego Chargers rookie running back make somewhat of a statement as he had a successful preseason debut. Forte? 4 carries for 7 yards. For the night, the Bears running game averaged 2.8 yards per carry.

Gulp.

The first preseason game is hardly enough time to make a definitive judgment about anything- good or bad. However, the signs are pointing in the wrong direction already.

The employment clock on head coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo were already ticking pretty loudly and make no mistake: an unsuccessful season should result in both of them being shown the door.

Smith for his inability to gameplan, teach, and execute. Angelo for his absolute tunnel vision ignoring the lack of everything on the offensive line,

After game three, if the Bears play this poorly, tune back into this blog for a much more scathing review. Until then, I'll just go back to gnawing my finger nails.