LAKE FOREST, IL- After absorbing a crushing 34-6 defeat at the hands of the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Friday night, the Chicago Bears got back to work on Monday at Halas Hall.
Before they could do that however, the team released 12 players after returning from the Pacific Northwest. One of those players was quarterback Jordan Palmer, affirming that Jimmy Clausen will be Jay Cutler's backup come September.
This could also create an opportunity for rookie sixth round draft pick David Fales. Fales was drafted in May with the hopes that he can someday either be Cutler's number two, or take over the starting role altogether down the line.
Initially it was believed that Fales was destined for the practice squad. Especially after playing in only one preseason game thus far, and only completing 5-of-7 passes along the way (leading to 68 yards and one interception).
With Palmer out of the way now and ineligible for the practice squad (he's been in the league since 2007), Fales now has a better shot to make the active roster for opening day (September 7th against the Buffalo Bills).
Fales will start and play the entire preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. The starters won't play -as is the Bears standard for the fourth preseason game- so Fales will get his chance to shine.
When asked about his big opportunity this week Fales said, " (Head coach Marc Trestman) told me I'm going to play the whole game. I'm really excited for the opportunity and I'm excited to compete."
How does he feel about his chances of making the active roster now? "(Honestly) I'm just trying to improve. I don't know if I (need to) focus on one thing that I need to show... I'm just trying to go out there and compete."
The biggest obstacle that the 23-year-old has been working to overcome is the adjustment from college to the pros. During his time at San Jose State University, Fales ran a pass-happy spread offense (in which he threw for 8,382 yards and 66 touchdowns) while operating out of the shotgun 95-percent of the time.
Now in the NFL, he's learning the west coast style of offense implemented by coach Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer. In this offense he's learning how to take more snaps under center, he's learning to drop back instead of just turning and throwing, and he's learning how to read defenses instead of just finding the open receiver.
When asked about the learning process Fales said, "It's difficult, but it's really quarterback friendly if you stay on top of it. Just go through the reads and you'll be okay.
In regards to how he's adjusting he said, "(I've been) staying dialed in during the meetings with coach Trestman, (Cutler) and coach Cav (quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh).... I know the offense (and) I know the reads."
Now Fales needs to go out and prove that not only does he belong in a Bears uniform, but he also needs to prove that he can be the quarterback of the future.