Bears vs Giants: Game Time and Analysis

The last time the Chicago Bears played the New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had three sacks.

New York as a whole set an NFL record and sacked Bears quarterback Jay Cutler a total of nine times in the first half. That was last year at the Meadowlands Stadium.

Umenyiora, who recently was given permission by the Giants to seek a trade, decided he would suit up for the Bears-Giants preseason game--most likely because he wants to show off his skills and hope for a similar performance. Prior to that, he was a holdout.

The game will be played at 7 p.m. Central Time and will be aired on ESPN.

The biggest question mark for the Bears is the offensive line and the wide receiver position, which are the same questions fans and experts had at the end of last year. If Cutler can finish the game standing upright then this will be a win for the Bears.

If not, it will be interesting to see what offensive line coach Mike Tice will do; will he move current center Roberto Garza to guard and start the true center Lance Louis instead? Maybe.

Other players to watch are Chester Taylor and Vernon Gholston, two athletes trying to earn roster spots. Taylor was clearly outperformed by running backs Marion Barber and Khali Bell. As for Gholston, who was taken sixth overall by the New York Jets, he is one of many players the Bears picked up in during their value shopping in free agency.

Meanwhile, after a 20-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the New York Giants are probably hoping for a 2010 repeat against the Bears.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said his starters would most likely take 25-30 snaps tonight. David Carr and Sage Rosenfels are also going to duke it out for the No. 2 QB spot.

Players not expected in the game are kicker Lawrence Tynes for the Giants, Lance Briggs for the Bears and defensive end Corey Wootton, the Northwestern University product who ended Brett Favre's career.

Sketching out a game plan

Those with access to cable television will be able to watch the game on ESPN. In Chicago, the Channel 7, the ABC affiliate, plans to pick up the broadcast.

For the spectators who can't watch the game in the comfort of their home, Skokie Patch has picked the five best spots to watch the touchdowns, sacks and hoopla locally.

This place was built to eat wings and watch big-time games. With plenty of TVs in the bar and dining area, Buffalo Wild Wings in Skokie is the perfect place to watch the game with family or friends.

The following specials will be available:

• Watching the game with a big party? Then order up 50 buffalo wings for $34.99 and choose from about a dozen different sauces.
• This family friendly restaurant also has several kid's meals available. Try the Cheeseburger Slammer or the Chicken Tender meal, both for only $3.99.
• Feeling healthy? Get the Garden Green Salad for only $6.69.

Village Inn

If the popular 1980s show Cheers was filmed in Skokie, directors would be shooting at Village Inn Pizza. The popular bar has a very local feel. With access to free parking nearby, it's an easy choice to watch the Bears-Giants tug-of-war.

With locations both in Skokie and Evanston, Bar Louie is a sure thing for a good time in viewing the gridiron action.

If you're worried about showing up late or being packed in a crowd, then maybe you should head over to Tommy Nevin's Pub in Evanston.

The pub features 14 big-screen, high-definition TVs and has loads of space to walk around, mingle and root against the Giants.

Skokie has needed a place like Curragh Irish Pub for some time. This cozy bar is small in size, but features some excellent food and beer choices.