Bears-Indianapolis Game Preview
- There are a number of competitions for starting spots still up in the air on defense and none is more intense than the one at starting safety opposite Antrel Rolle. Brock Vereen started against the Dolphins last week ahead of Ryan Mundy and was a step slow all night. The Bears must really be averse to starting the veteran Mundy because instead of promoting him, they appear to be preparing to give rookie safety Adrian Amos a shot ahead of him. Bears fans will be watching closely to see how he does.
- The competition at outside linebacker opposite Pernell McPhee is still wide open. Sam Acho was with the No. 1 unit for much of the early camp. But Jared Allen started against the Dolphins. Then Acho gave a very good showing against the Miami backups last week — sack, tackle for loss, quarterback hit, interception, pass defensed. He may start this week and will bear watching against stiffer competition.
- The Bears defense was slow all over the field last week and Bears fans will be watching to see if their play recognition becomes faster and if the react with more of the quickness that they will need to be competitive this season.
- Offensively things appeared to be pretty well set until Charles Leno played with the starters at right tackle over Jordan Mills on Thursday. There appears to be a genuine competition here that will be interesting.
- The communication of quarterback Jay Cutler with his receivers and his comfort with the new offense also bears watching. Cutler had a costly miscommunication with Eddie Royal last week, reminiscent of what fans often saw last season from Cutler and his receivers.