Aug. 13--As the Bears host the Dolphins in Thursday's exhibition opener at Soldier Field, here are four storylines to keep under the magnifying glass:
Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler: Yep, the Bears' narrative still revolves heavily around the same ol' quarterback. And while Cutler's most telling progress report won't be available until a month into the regular season, his every move will still be watched during the preseason. The first-string offense will likely play through the first quarter Thursday with coach John Fox hoping that unit can take 12 to 15 snaps. Cutler has set a simple checklist of goals for the night: Get in and out of the huddle quickly. Limit mental errors. Pick up a few first downs and score. Still, as the veteran quarterback looks to gain a mastery of Adam Gase's offense, he has been appreciative of the coordinator's ability to tailor the system and his play-calling to what the players do best. "We're not going to run things if a guy can't do it or if someone's uncomfortable with it," Cutler said. "Because we don't want negative plays. And Adam doesn't want to put us in positions where we might fail."
Jordan Mills' progress: If Cutler is to have full comfort in his offensive line, right tackle Jordan Mills will have to prove he's taking steps forward. Coming off an uneasy 2014 season in which he battled injuries, struggled with pre-snap penalties and proved shaky in pass protection, Mills has been far from sturdy during training camp. Of the five first-team linemen, his grip on a starting role is the loosest. His work in exhibition games will be critical as he attempts to hold off Charles Leno for the opening-day job. "Jordan's worked hard," offensive line coach Dave Magazu said. "He's cleaning up a lot of little details. He's a good student of the game and works hard at it. But we'll know more as we get into the preseason and play against other people."
The outside linebackers: Just how eclectic is the mix of pass rushers competing for playing time on the edge of the 3-4 defense? The Bears' biggest 2015 free-agent signee, Pernell McPhee, has $15.5 million guaranteed in his five-year, $38.75 million contract despite only six career starts and 17 sacks. Converted defensive end Jared Allen is the NFL's active leader in career sacks with 134, but he's 33 and coming off a disappointing 2014 season. Lamarr Houston is back in the mix and poised for a breakthrough after tearing his right ACL celebrating a sack against the Patriots in October. And Sam Acho, who migrated from the Cardinals in April, is an introspective and loquacious former thespian with a fondness for Shakespeare. Acho's also an experienced outside linebacker in a 3-4 front. Now all four must show they can add teeth to the pass rush after the Bears registered only 39 sacks last season.
Taking their talents to South Beach: Familiar foe Ndamukong Suh will no longer see the Bears twice per season as a member of the Lions, but he'll make a quick pop through Chicago with his new team Thursday. Suh signed a six-year, $114.375 million deal with the Dolphins during free agency. And while he doesn't figure to play much Thursday, his presence and tenacity will be a good mid-August test for Bears guard Kyle Long. It's also worth keeping an eye on Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker, the third receiver selected in the draft. While Bears rookie Kevin White remains stuck as a spectator, Parker will have a chance to showcase his feel for the position and ability to make contested catches.
