Prepare for kicking battle to highlight Chicago Bears preseason games
1The Chicago Bears may be looking to test their kickers out in preseason games more than their actual offense
If there is one thing we learned about Matt Nagy, it is that he does not care for the preseason. Sure, last year he had the benefit of the Hall of Fame Game and a joint practice with the Denver Broncos last preseason.
Still, in a game considered the “dress rehearsal” Nagy benched all of his starters saying that he saw enough in practice that week.
There is a chance that Nagy will go this conservative route in year two, especially when an injury to Adam Shaheen put him on the IR thanks to the preseason.
However, when it comes to the kicking competition, Nagy is expected to be full throttle in finding the best player for game action. Nagy has talked openly about turning over every stone to find his right kicker, and nothing can simulate being in a stadium with another team rushing at you. Nagy should want to get every chance he gets to see this from both kickers.
Combining this with his indifference to seeing what his offense will look like in the preseason, he could be in a good spot to put that to the test. Nagy can run what he wants to see between the 20s. However, when he gets into kicking range, he very well may run it three times and choose to kick.
Next. Duke Shelley stock watch. dark
Yes, Nagy may intentionally stall drives at certain points to gauge his kickers from different distances. And he should, this is a smart idea.
When it comes to the preseason this year, there will be plenty to watch for. Depth battles will be won, and progress can be shown. However, the kicker will remain the thing to watch this preseason, and Nagy will ensure we see it.