The Chicago Bears kick off the season tomorrow afternoon against the Indianapolis Colts. Here’s five things you need to watch in tomorrow’s game at Soldier Field.
- Andrew Luck Mobility
Most people get wrapped up in Luck’s superior accuracy, pocket presence, and just overall understanding of coverage’s thrown his way. What’s underrated is his athleticism outside the pocket. Luck mobility outside the pocket could be dangerous because unlike most young Quarterbacks first entering the league, he keeps his eyes downfield.
It’s something the Bears defense will have to be on the lookout for tomorrow afternoon.
- How the Bears will attack Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis
Freeny and Mathis will find a way to get pressure on QB Jay Cutler this Sunday, even though they both are playing in a 3-4 defense for the first time in their careers. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice could combat Freeney and Mathis by using their biggest strength against them.
Running directly at a player like Freeney while he’s rushing up the field toward the QB, could give Running Back’s Matt Forte and Michael Bush an opportunity to get outside and get a big gain on the ground.
As far as pass protecting, expect chips and double teams at either one of the players (whichever one is proving to be most effective).
- What kind of football shape Brian Urlacher is in?
All eyes will be on Urlacher this Sunday after returning to practice for the first time earlier in the week. The Pro Bowl Middle Linebacker will see his first live game action since week 17 of last season. The Colts will more than likely test Urlacher knee and mobility by running directly at him. They might also use Tight-End’s Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen over the middle of the field.
That decision to attack Urlacher could prove to be successful or disastrous for a first year Colts offense.
- Cutler communication with his Receivers
It’s was pretty much a mix bag for Cutler and his receivers in the preseason. Against the Washington Redskins, the passing offense got off to a quick start scoring on its first possession. Against the New York Giants, you saw Cutler and Receivers look off, missing on number of passes throughout the first half.
The Bears have a clear advantage in the match-up between their Receivers and the Colts Secondary. If they can get on track, they could put the game away early. If not, the offense becomes one dimensional; making it a defensive struggle throughout the game.
- If the Bears can exploit the Colts suspect Offensive Line
Much like the Bears OL, the Colts OL is also a working progress. Anthony Castonzo is a talented second year player, but Julius Peppers should be able to win a majority of the match-ups against him. The interior line is suspect, which gives Defensive Tackle’s Henry Melton, Amobi Okoye, and Stephen Paea an opportunity to get pressure on Luck, and hurry him into some mistakes.
The weak link on the Colts line however is Right Tackle Winston Justice. Look for the Bears to rotate Peppers to Left End, but also look for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to match rookie Shea McClellin against the former Philadelphia Eagles RT in obvious passing situations.
