Bears Pick Up Preseason Victory Over Dolphins

Bears special-teams standout Sherrick McManis hopes to contribute regularly at cornerback this season for the first time in his six-year NFL career.

In Thursday night's 27-10 preseason-opening win over the Dolphins, McManis stated a strongcase by producing a game-changing takeaway and breaking up a third-down pass.

With the Bears trailing 10-3 early in the third quarter, McManis breathed life into his team and the Soldier Field crowd by ripping the ball away from running back Mike Gillislee.

McManis recovered the fumble at the Miami 37, setting up Robbie Gould's 23-yard field goal—and igniting a Bears rally that turned a seven-point deficit into a 17-point win.

"I'm very determined," McManis said. "I'm determined like this every year, honestly, just to be out there trying to compete, do my special-teams thing, and also show them that I can play corner or that I can play nickel back, just to help the team in any way that I can.

Earlier in the game, McManis jumped a slant route and broke up a Matt Moore pass intended for receiver Matt Hazel on third-and-seven, forcing a Miami punt.

Lions 23, Jets 3

With former starting quarterback Geno Smith recovering from jaw surgery in a New Jersey hospital, the New York Jets opened the preseason Thursday night, hoping to move past the locker-room fight that made them a national punch line.

They embraced their new quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played efficiently in only one series of the Jets' 23-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Afterward, they didn't want to talk about the Smith-IK Enemkpali altercation, although players managed to smile when asked whether they were surprised Enemkpali was claimed on waivers by their former coach, Rex Ryan of the Buffalo Bills.

"I'm pretty sure the whole locker room knew that was going to happen," Sheldon Richardson said.

"Rex is Rex," Willie Colon said. "We weren't surprised at all."

On Tuesday morning, Enemkpali was released by the Jets after punching Smith in the face. Coach Todd Bowles called it a "sucker punch," but sources confirmed Smith might have provoked Enemkpali by pointing a finger in his face. They were arguing over $600 that Smith owed to Enemkpali.

Before the game, the Jets announced that Smith's surgery included the insertion of metal plates and screws into his jaw, which was fractured in two places. His jaw won't have to be wired shut during his recovery.

Initially, the team said Smith would be out for six to 10 weeks. Bowles declined to give a revised timetable, adding, "Hopefully, he heals quicker."

Brady Starts Preason Opener

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady started the team's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, playing the first two series and finishing 1-of-4 for 10 yards in the 22-11 loss.

Brady was on the field for seven snaps before being relieved by Jimmy Garoppolo at the end of the first quarter. The Patriots didn't score on either drive with Brady. Brady, who was cheered loudly by the home crowd, sailed his first pass attempt over the head of receiver Josh Boyce on his first snap. His second attempt, on third down, went through Boyce's hands to force a punt.

On Brady's second and final drive, he opened with a completion over the middle to veteran receiver Brandon Gibson. After two running plays, he delivered a pass a bit too far in front of tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who couldn't bring it in with one hand.

Redskins Paul Injured

Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul will miss the rest of the 2015 season after dislocating his left ankle during Washington's preseason opener Thursday night, coach Jay Gruden said.

Paul was carted off the field during the first quarter of Washington's 20-17 win over the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Before Paul was placed on the cart, trainers put an air cast on his left leg.

Brady watched the rest of the game from the sideline, smiling widely after running back Jonas Gray raced 55 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter.

Thursday, August 13 Scoreboard

Baltimore 30, New Orleans 27

Green Bay22, New England 11

Detroit 23, New York Jets 3

Chicago 27, Miami 10

Washington 20, Cleveland 17

San Diego 17, Dallas 7

Friday, August 14 Preseason Schedule (All Times Central)

Tennessee at Atlanta, 6:00 p.m.

Carolina at Buffalo, 6:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 6:30 p.m.

New York at Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Oakland, 9:00 p.m.

Denver at Seattle, 9:00 p.m.