As the Chicago Bears return to Soldier Field for an actual live football game tonight, there’s a palpable sense of excitement, despite the fact that the starters aren’t likely to play in this game or the remainder of the preseason.
But the preseason is where we get to glimpse the players fighting for their livelihood — and maybe even find some hidden gems along the way.
The Bears host the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field tonight, and while we won’t get a glimpse at the starters, there are still plenty of things to watch for, whether it’s running backs, receivers, tight ends or kickers.
Here are four storylines to watch as the Bears host the Panthers:
1. David Montgomery’s debut
Fans have gotten just a glimpse of what rookie running back David Montgomery can do during training camp practices, including mowing over opposing defenders with that rare contact balance.
Now, we really get to see Montgomery in live game action, which might just be the most exciting thing to come in this preseason game for Bears fans.
Right now, Montgomery sits third on the depth chart behind Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis. While Montgomery will likely be getting those starter carries come Week 1 of the regular season, right now he finds himself with nowhere to go but up.
We’ll also get our first glimpse at Davis, who hasn’t generated as much hype as Montgomery but should be exciting in this Bears offense, as well.
2. The kicker battle continues in preseason
Surprisingly, the Bears’ kicker competition has been more encouraging than anyone thought it would. Both Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro have been solid overall during training camp practices.
But now the real test begins when they finally get that live game experience. Both Fry and Pineiro will kick against the Panthers instead of each being rotated game by game.
Each kicker has had his shining moment in training camp — Fry’s solid kicking in the wet and windy elements and Pineiro’s perfect 12-for-12 performance at Soldier Field — but the battle remains as even as ever.
You’d like to think that one kicker separates himself from the other during this game and beyond. Or at least hope they just don’t blow it — or doink it off the uprights.
3. Wide receiver battle
Muhsin Muhammad once said that Chicago is where receivers go to die. Now, it’s where receivers go to thrive.
The Bears’ receiver room is perhaps the deepest group on the team — and certainly the deepest it’s ever been at the position. Guys like Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson are all locks for a roster spot.
You could say the same for Javon Wims and Riley Ridley, former teammates at Georgia that will likely get some looks against the Panthers. While Ridley has missed most of the practices nursing a hamstring injury, he’s healthy and ready to compete. Wims has been impressing from the start of training camp, and I’d expect more of the same when preseason action kicks off.
So if the Bears elect to carry seven receivers, that leaves names like Marvin Hall, Emanuel Hall, Tanner Gentry, Taquan Mizzell and Jordan Williams-Lambert left battling for the coveted spot.
4. Undrafted tight ends
While the Bears don’t have any glaring holes on their roster, outside of kicker, perhaps the one that’s the most concerning is the tight end position.
With Trey Burton still not recovered from sports hernia surgery and with Adam Shaheen’s struggle to stay healthy for an entire season, it’s not exactly reassuring for an offense that relies on their tight ends.
But it’s up to the undrafted tight ends, who have been exciting to watch in training camp, to provide some depth. Most notably, Dax Raymond — who has started to find his footing in this offense — and Ian Bunting — who has even seen time with the 1’s.
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