Do’s and Don’ts for Watching Chicago Bears Preseason Opener

Jul 25, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback

throws a pass during training camp at Olivet Nazarene University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

DO…

Do watch the second string.  There are plenty of really interesting battles unfolding for the primary backups.  Jordan Palmer and Jimmy Clausen are duking it out for the right to back up Jay Cutler.  Shaun Draughn is listed as the second string tailback, but he’ll have Michael Ford, Ka’Deem Carey and Jordan Lynch nipping at his heels.

DON’T…

Don’t get too high or too down on anyone.  You could have 1’s going against 2’s or studs going against duds, so don’t get hyped if Ego Ferguson is beasting or if Brock Vereen misses a tackle.  Focus on guys looking like they belong, know where they’re supposed to be and have their assignments down.

DO…

Do pay attention to special teams.  The guys on your coverage units are the reserves that are frontrunners for a roster spot.  You’ll want to watch for guys like Christian Jones, Jordan Lynch and Khaseem Greene to see where they stand in the pecking order.  Plus, we’ve got a battle for kick and punt returner jobs.  Do watch Chris Williams to see if his record-setting CFL moves translate to the NFL.

DON’T…

Don’t take field goals, PAT’s and punts for granted.  With a new long snapper audition between Chad Rempel and Brandon Harston, things could get interesting.

Jul 25, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebackers

(left) and Khaseem Greene (right) during training camp at Olivet Nazarene University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

DO…

Watch Shea McClellin play linebacker.  Can he drop into coverage effectively?  Is he wearing a blocker or night or can he shed and stuff in the run game?

DON’T

Get get too high or too low on anyone.  Remember Jon Bostic’s “boom-Bostic” couple of preseason games?  He didn’t exactly set the world on fire during the season, did he?  Then you get Josh McCown who had about a 47 QB rating in the preason but once running with the 1’s, he had a fantastic season subbing for Cutler.

What are your Do’s and Don’t for watching preseason games?  What will you be focused on?  Hit it up in the Comments.

BEAR DOWN!!!