Prediction, Three things to watch for Bears-Bills |
DATE/TIME: Saturday, Aug. 10, Noon (CT) TELEVISION: Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32 (Chicago area - see below for Chicago Bears Network affiliated stations), NFL Network STREAMING: ChicagoBears.com, Chicago Bears Official App brought to you by Verizon, NFL+ (outside Chicago area), Game Pass International (outside the U.S., Canada and China) BROADCASTERS: Adam Amin (play-by-play), Jim Miller (analyst), Lou Canellis (sideline) Following the Bears' rain-shortened win against the Houston Texans to kick off the 2024 NFL Preseason, there was a lot to like about how the team played. Sure, there were times when the defense struggled, especially in the first quarter, but once they got settled in, they started to look like the defense that was one of the NFL's best for the final two months of the season. Offensively, you saw signs of an offense capable of making big plays, which is something that this team lacked last season. That is the main reason why Shane Waldron was brought in to be the team's new offensive Coordinator. They wanted more explosiveness from their team, and given the weapons that this team has assembled, explosive plays shouldn't be as much of an issue this season. With the first week of the Preseason out of the way, it has been business as usual for this team as they continue to plow through training camp. There have been ups and downs, but most importantly, there have been learning experiences to be had along the way, as the potential for this team is there. With a lot of the starters expected to see some reps this week, this game will draw plenty of attention as the Bears look to move to 2-0 this Preseason. Here are some things to look for and predictions for this week's game:
It was announced on Wednesday that Caleb Williams is in line to start this week against Buffalo, marking the beginning of a new era in Bears football. While he may only see one or two series under center, expect other starts to be on the field with him, as this will be the first time fans get to see their starting unit. Coaches treat Preseason differently based on the players they have and the reps they need. While the Bears aren't going to play their starters a ton, you may see them more than in previous years, given the new offensive scheme put in place. The only way to learn that scheme is to put it to use on the field, and the Bears will let their starters, at the very least, see a couple of series to iron out the kinks. What they do after that won't matter, as the goal is to get out of the Preseason as healthy as possible.
Not only will the fans have an opportunity to see this offense at full strength, but they will also have a chance to see a player try his luck at a new position. In case you missed it this week, third-year WR Velus Jones Jr is trying his luck at the RB position to crack this roster. Drafted out of the University of Tennessee in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has always been known as a speedster. However, his inability to catch the ball consistently has limited his time on the field in the offense. Sure, he has seen plenty of time on Special teams, but with better options in the passing game, Jones is the fifth or sixth WR on the depth chart. To get his speed on the field more and maximize his talent, Jones Jr has been taking reps at RB this week in practice and will continue during week two of the Preseason. This wouldn't be the first time a player from Tennessee struggled as a WR before moving to RB as Cordarrelle Patterson went through a similiar transition. Jones has the game-breaking speed every coach dreams of and has the talent to make things happen on the field. The only way that can happen would be to be on the field, which is what the Bears are trying to do with Jones this season.
Week one was nothing more than a glorified practice. Week two is still considered a glorified practice but with more competition attached to it. This is the week where you start to see some of the starters work their way into the lineup while the reserves continue their in-game position battles. The Bears are no strangers to position battles in camp, and this season is no exception. However, this team is not only going through position battles, but they continue to go through internal battles or learn a new system. Each week is a new opportunity for this team to improve, and that is the overall goal for this week as they continue to put the work in to be a better team from one year to the next. Prediction: These tend to be useless during the preseason, given the lack of big-name players on the field. However, they are still fun to make, especially considering that a lot of these guys are playing for a job. If Josh Allen and all of Buffalo's regular starters were playing, they would be double-digit favorites. However, this is the preseason, and if Allen plays, it will be for one or maybe two series like Williams and the rest of the Bears' offense. With that being said, look for the Bears reserves to continue doing their job as they pick up a 23-20 win at Buffalo on Saturday.How to watch
How much will Caleb Williams and the starters play?
Velus Jones Jr. to get snaps at running back
Continue to iron out the kinks
