We’re one week away from the start of the regular season when the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
But before next Thursday, the Bears have one more preseason game to play against the Tennessee Titans, where there are still some position battles going down to the wire, as well as some questions to be answered.
Here are four storylines to watch as the Bears take on the Titans:
1. Who wins the battle at swing tackle?
The Bears’ depth at offensive tackle is being tested this preseason. Things don’t look reassuring behind starting tackles Charles Leno and Bobby Massie. While both have been reliable in terms of health, there’s no guarantee in this league.
The depth at tackle took a hit with injuries to Rashaad Coward and T.J. Clemmings. While Coward is expected back, Clemmings is out for the year.
Someone the Bears turned to last week was rookie Alex Bars, who transitioned from guard to tackle against the Colts. The Bears liked what they saw out of Bars at tackle, including opening a hole on Ryan Nall’s 69-yard touchdown run.
Both Bars and Coward are in a good position to make the cut on Saturday.
2. How does Eddy Pineiro handle success?
After winning the kicker competition over Elliott Fry, Eddy Pineiro made a statement with his performance against the Colts last Saturday. Pineiro was perfect on both of his field goals, including a 58-yarder that instilled confidence in Pineiro and the Bears.
While Pineiro showed how he responds to adversity and getting the workload — in a positive way — now, the question becomes: How does Pineiro handle success? Does he get complacent and miss some kicks? Does he rise to the challenge and once again deliver a perfect night?
Barring a complete meltdown, Pineiro certainly looks like he’ll be the Bears’ starting kicker come Week 1. Although it’s no guarantee he’ll be the guy for the entire season.
3. Who wins The fourth running back spot — Kerrith Whyte or Ryan Nall?
While the Bears are set with Tarik Cohen, Mike Davis and David Montgomery at running back, there’s still a fourth spot up for grabs heading into the preseason finale.
Ryan Nall and rookie Kerrith Whyte have been in a tight battle for the job, each putting some great things on tape. But, much like the kicker competition earlier this preseason, they’ve appeared even at this point.
Although both have their strengths. Whyte’s speed is something really special that Nagy could utilize both on offense and special teams. Then you have Nall, who’s proven to be consistent over the past two preseasons.
While Whyte appears to have an advantage based on his skillset alone, if Nall puts together another strong performance against the Titans, the Bears will have a difficult decision to make.
4. Will Chase Daniel inspire confidence in back-up quarterback situation?
The back-up quarterback is usually the most popular player in town. That is until he plays. But usually, it’s not the preseason that generates concern.
Bears back-up quarterback Chase Daniel struggles have been noted this preseason. Daniel wasn’t necessarily brought to Chicago to be a great back-up, he’s here to mentor Mitch Trubisky. But you want to have faith that, should something happen to your starter for a game or two, that you have someone you can rely on.
Daniel needs a strong game against the Titans to inspire confidence. The Bears don’t need him to be a great back-up, just a dependable one. But then again, not all back-up quarterbacks are Nick Foles.
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