The Chicago Bears have already made their way to Indianapolis in preparation for Saturday’s second preseason game of the year. In the preseason, when a team is learning a new offensive and defensive system, the key is to make improvements each and every week. Both the offense and defense definitely need to improve from their performances last week against the Miami Dolphins.
The defense allowed the Dolphins to march 85 yards right down the field to score an opening drive touchdown with a pass from Ryan Tannehill to Jarvis Landry. The offense did not do much better as their opening drive resulted in a three-and-out. So to improve the defense just needs to not allow a touchdown and the offense needs to complete a first down on their first possessions, respectfully.
This task is easier said than done as the Colts were the number one passing offense in the league last year. They also finished 6th in scoring and 3rd in total yards. The new 3-4 defense that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is installing will be in for quite a test trying to slow down Andrew Luck and company. Here are a few players on defense to keep an eye on Saturday night:
Adrian Amos
Last weekend Amos stood out to coaches and was bumped up to play safety with the 1st team defense alongside Antrel Rolle. He is currently listed as the starter over Ryan Mundy and Brock Vereen. Amos will be put to the test against one of the deepest passing attacks in the entire league. He will need to prove that his coverage skills are for real if he wants to continue being the starter. Mundy is right on his heels after starting every game last year for the Bears. Mundy even said he still expects to the starter when the season starts.
Sam Acho
Sam Acho has been one of the most consistent inside linebackers in camp so far this year for the Bears. He also had a stellar performance in last week’s preseason game against the Dolphins when he finished the game with a sack and an interception. Acho spent his first four years with the Arizona Cardinals and last season he was recovering from an ACL injury that he suffered back in 2013. He looks completely healthy and could push Jared Allen for a starting linebacker position.
Players to watch on offense include:
Charles Leno
During Thursday’s practice against the Colts, starting right tackle Jordan Mills left with a calf injury. Charles Leno replaced Mills with the first team reps. Mills has not been playing very consistent so far during camp while Leno has been impressing coaches with his play on the second team. Leno was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Boise State. Even if Mills is healthy enough to play Saturday night, Leno will have his chance to prove he can handle being the starter. This could become an open competition for the starting right tackle position.
Marquess Wilson
The injury to rookie wide out Kevin White has opened the door for Marquess Wilson. The 3rd year wide receiver out of Washington State only played in the final seven games of the season last year after breaking his collarbone. Wilson finished the 2014 season with 17 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. The good news is that Wilson has made some of the more impressive catches in practice so far this year. He will be going up against veteran Eddie Royal. The final three games of the preseason will be Wilson’s time to show he belongs in the NFL.
