Tonight the Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals in what will really be their final tune-up before their regular season opens up on September 12th. The third preseason game is always the outing in which you can place the most weight on how the team will perform in later weeks, as the starters will play into the third quarter and the coaches usually attempt to make a gameplan. Here's what I'll be watching for later tonight after I get back from being social and rev up my DVR.
Running back battle?
No, not between Matt Forte and Chester Taylor. That was never in question. The real competition tonight and next week is between Kahlil Bell and Garrett Wolfe for the third running back slot. Wolfe has always been an ace on special teams, but his production on offense hasn't proven worth his third-round selection. He's in real danger of losing his job to Bell and finishing his tenure with the Bears. We've even heard that GM Jerry Angelo has talked to a few teams about gauging their trade interest in Wolfe. Unless he shows something special, Wolfe looks to be on the way out and Bell on the way up.
Offensive line, still.
What everyone is worried about when it comes to the first-team offense is obviously the pass protection. Early results make it seem that Cutler is in for another rough year. Rookie guard Lance Louis missed a few practices this week, unfortunate as he's the one who needs the most reps. Chris Williams will have to prove he's a true left tackle in this league after being abused one-on-one last week by Kamerion Wimbley last week. We should see more actual protection schemes this week so Mike Tice can evaluate how this line looks in real-game situations.
Defensive line makes the world go 'round.
In the past few games, the starting defense has noticeably struggled. While they're be without middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tonight (resting his calf injury, but will be ready for game one), that unit has to pick up the intensity, starting with the front four. If the line can get consistent pressure, all of the deficiencies in the secondary will be hidden. We know Peppers will find his way to the quarterback, but what about Mark Anderson, Israel Idonije and Tommie Harris? Matt Toeaina has impressed Rod Marinelli, but he's not going to explode to the quarterback from the tackle position. Make no mistake, the success of the Bear defense this year relies on the success of the defensive line.
Collins arrives to save the day!
After initially not agreeing to terms, the Bears finally signed veteran back-up Todd Collins to "provide insurance" behind Jay Cutler if Caleb Hanie isn't ready to return by the season opener. Don't expect much out of him tonight though. He'll likely see most of his action next week. Do you feel safer already?
Time to earn the job.
Aside from the aforementioned running back competition, there are plenty of names to keep an eye on in the next two games. Preseason is all about earning or saving your job. Out of wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, defensive linemen Henry Melton and Jarron Gilbert and tight end Kellen Davis, at least two should be cut, but three is definitely likely. Iglesias is a waste of a roster spot and can't beat out Earl Bennett on the depth chart despite Bennett's inability to get healthy. Melton and Gilbert need to show some explosiveness at the line of scrimmage or one of these 2009 draft picks will be out of a job.
Matt Leinart vs. Derek Anderson: Battle of the Crap
Normally I don't even address the other team in preseason, but this will be an interesting angle to keep your eye on. Supposed starter Leinart has this last game to impress his coaches or the steaming pile of Derek Anderson will be starting day one for the Cardinals. I doubt Leinart will rise to the occasion.
Enjoy the most meaningful preseason game this year! Bear down and Happy Jay Cutler Day!
