Three Things to Look for in Bears-Colts

Mike Dinovo - USA Today Sports

by Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - Sat Aug 19 19:53:42 GMT-05:00 2023

We are officially entering the midway point of the preseason as week two is underway. Unlike the olden days, when you played four preseason games, with week three being the dress rehearsal, there are now just three weeks of preseason football, so things are handled differently now. When it comes to the Bears, this could be a crucial week for them as it may be the last time we see the starters depending on how things go.

After having joint practices with the Colts the past few days, things will be for real on Saturday as the Bears and Colts will square off against each other. Knowing what we know about these joint practices, there is a good chance that each team knows a lot about the other, so expect things to look slightly different.

Coming off their preseason week one showing, a lot is riding on the Bears right now as they need to continue to get better each week, even if the games don't count. They count on the players as they are the ones that are laying it out on the line and trying to make this team. The harder they play, the better they will look, which will only excite the anxiously awaiting fans more.

Here are some things to look for in week 2:

1. Tension, Tension, Tension

We are getting to the point in the preseason where teams want training camp to be over. They are sick of hitting their own guys and want to compete against others. To make matters worse, having a joint practice with the team you are about to play has its negatives, as each team knows how to get under one's skin.

In return, you could see some chippy football at times as the frustrations and emotions of the past week will come full circle. Granted, I don't expect any dirty play, but you will see a lot more physical football this week, as both the Colts and Bears are sick of each other by now.

2. Which rookies will step up?

If you have been paying attention in Bears camp, it has been about the rookies and how well they have played. That bodes well for the team's future, but it is also a bit concerning, as some good players could be left off the roster in favor of veterans. Micah Baskerville was one of the rookies that stepped up in week one along with Gervon Dexter.

Look for those two to have plenty of chances this week, but who steps up with them is another thing to watch. Guys like Tyler Scott are someone to watch after he had an up-and-down outing last week. Scott has the play-making ability to be a great player, but after fumbling a punt against the Titans, he has lost his confidence a bit. A good week from him can help change that.

Roschon Johnson is another rookie to watch this week after showing plenty of potential last week. Johnson is not only in the running to be the backup back but could challenge Khalil Herbert for the starting role at some point this season. Look for his workload to increase this week as the Bears are trying to determine the type of back he can become.

3. STAY HEALTHY!

While the preseason is all about reps, it isn't the most important thing. That would be the health side of things, as every team wants to come out of the preseason healthy. The Bears are fortunate enough right now to be a healthy team, but you have seen several guys get hurt in camp.

That will happen in the NFL, and every sport for that matter, but it does become a concern. Yes, you want your players to get as many reps as possible, but at the same time, you want to protect their bodies as best as you can heading into the season. When starters are playing behind second and third-stringers on either side of the ball, it does cause the concern for injuries to become a bit greater. Hopefully, the Bears can avoid significant injuries for another week as they look to improve to 2-0.