Bears vs. Dolphins Preview: Key Storylines, Prediction |
Dustin Riese
· · 6 hours ago
It is almost time for the Chicago Bears' first preseason game of the season.
Granted, this is only the preseason, and none of what happens now matters, but the preseason is still a critical time, whether the players or the fans believe it. With fewer padded practices than before, teams need to make the most of these preseason games to iron out the kinks heading into the regular season. While some of the starters may not play every week, research has shown that teams that play their starters for the preseason are not only more prepared when the season starts, but also show a lower injury risk early in the season. For the Bears to be taken seriously this season, they need to get off to a fast start, and a win in their preseason opener could be the boost they need to get those positive juices flowing. New head coach Ben Johnson has brought a new mindset with him into Bears camp, one that comes with physicality and competition. At some point, these players hate hitting themselves at practice and just want to get on the field and hit someone else, regardless of whether it is preseason or not. As long as the team stays healthy and can get their work in, it shouldn't matter how many quarters the starters will get this preseason. Here are some things to look for ahead of the Bears' preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins (1 PM/ET on NFL Network).
We already know that Caleb Williams won't be playing on Sunday, which shouldn't come as a surprise, but how many other starters are going to sit out the opener? I understand easing into things and taking things slow, but this is a brand-new offensive scheme that this team is trying to learn, and the only way to get better is by getting reps on the field. Even if it is for one or two series, the Bears need to consider giving some of their starters some reps, as the more they get now, the better they will become by week one. If we had to guess, we would look for the offensive line starters to be the only ones out there, as this could be a very sloppy game.
When the Bears elected to sign Case Keenum to a free agent deal this offseason, the assumption was for him to take over the backup quarterback role. After all, Keenum is a steady veteran who can mentor Williams and has shown in the past that when called upon can deliver. That seems like a logical plan, but the talk of camp has been about Tyson Bagent and his performance. Some have gone on record to say that Johnson has raved about Bagent all summer and has increased his rep load from day to day. That alone is worth noting as the preseason opener nears, as Keenum and Bagent could be in line for a quarterback battle decided by whoever performs better in the preseason.
Whether you want to believe it or not, things are going to look vastly different for the Bears on the offense this season as Johnson has come in to install what has been viewed as a complicated system. To learn how complex that system is, look no further than the practices themselves, as every position group has gone through their struggles, and that is expected when a new coach comes in with a new scheme. This isn't one of those things that will get fixed overnight. This is a very complex offense, and preseason or not, it will take a long time for the offense to reach its desired level. The preseason is a great start to get where they want to be offensively, as they can make the mistakes they need to make and not have it affect their standings in the NFC. Buckle up, Bears fans, it's going to be a fun ride.
Preseason predictions are always tricky, as you never know how many starters will play and how many won't. You have to think that players like Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, and Tua Tagovailoa will join Williams, DJ Moore, and the list of Bears starters not playing, which essentially makes this a reserve game and will come down to who has the best overall roster. Look for the Bears to open the Johnson era with a bang as they take down the Dolphins 17-13.How many starters and how long will they play?
Battle for the backup quarterback role
What will the new Ben Johnson offense look like?
Prediction: Bears win 17-13
