Joe's 2011 Preseason Gameday Preview: Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears

With the 2010 NFL season far in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Bears open up the 2011 preseason Saturday night against the Buffalo Bills. With a nonexistent offseason and only a short training camp stay so far, these exhibition games will hold more significance than any in recent memory.  However, thanks to Comic-Con, I’ll just outlay an abbreviated overview of what to look out for in tonight’s match-up.

How will Roberto Garza handle the slide from guard to center? Does J’Marcus Webb have the skill-set to be a quality starting left tackle in this league? Will Gabe Carimi start mauling from right tackle? Or will he be overpowered and outplayed by the talented left ends in the division? On the second unit, I’ll be particularly interested in watching newly acquired center Chris Spencer try to stake a claim as a starter.

Henry Meltona and Matt Toeaina will find plenty of playing time in Rod Marinellis’ defensive line rotation this season. What remains to be seen however, is if either of them has the pure talent or ability to wreak havoc from Tommie Harris’ old slot. Back-up Omobi Okoye needs to show something to dissolve his "bust" status.

With the long-awaited departure of Danieal Manning, Major Wright will get his shot as a starting safety for Lovie Smith’s defense. Chris Harris will likely slide over to free safety technically, but it’s all the same in a cover-two defensive scheme. Getting injured last preseason derailed any chance of Wright starting the season, but the job’s all his now. Can he speed past the initial mistakes or will he be caught out of position too often?

It’s time for some freaking football. Get you some!