William Hillock

So it all comes down to this, after many months off, the NFL returns this week with a full slate of games, and none other will be more important for Bears fans for when Da Bears face-off in a rematch of Superbowl 41 against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts look to have Peyton Manning back in the fold come Sunday night, and if that is the case this could prove to be the deciding factor in this highly anticipated game.  Even with older receivers in Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, the Colts still have a potential breakout star in Anthony Gonzales, and a solid defensive squad that can be lethal when healthy.

3 Keys To Victory

1.  Defense, Defense, Defense:  The Bears defense has completely fallen apart over the last 2 weeks of pre-season, which has taken many by surprise.  The shining light through the Bears’ struggles over the past seasons, and one of the largest factors for getting them to the Bowl, has been their defense.  If Chicago plans on beating Indianapolis Sunday night, the defense will need a serious wake-up call if they have any chance of keeping it close.

2.  Orton needs to prove himself:  Kyle Orton has been given the ball and it is now time for him to run with it.  Baby Rex couldn’t do it, so it’s now time to see if Orton is the man.  If he can put in a performance like he did in Week 3 of the pre-season, the Bears should be able to keep up with the Colts for the majority of the game, and hopefully give enough confidence to Orton and the offense to put them over the top.

3.  And I ran, I ran so far away:  With the quarterback battle taking up the majority of the press during pre-season, the running game quietly sputtered along, and there doesn’t seem like there is any clear plan.  By all accounts, it looks like carries will be split between Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte, with Kevin Jones/Garret Wolfe being used in key situations.  This could all change come Sunday night however.

Quick Hits

- The Bears cut down to the required 53-man roster without any surprises this past weekend.  3rd string QB Caleb Hanie has been kept on after his impressive performances in all 4 weeks of pre-season play.

- Devin Hester will be receiving kick-offs on Sunday, along with starting at the WR position with breakout receiver Rashied Davis.  Even then, look for some rotation to occur as the Bears have 6 potential starting WRs that all could enter the game if needed.

- The Bears offensive line will be hard pressed with 2 new starters, against a strong Colts defense that includes Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend, and for an Indianapolis Colts perspective on Week 1, check out fellow blogger Mike Crupi’s write-up that was posted earlier.

From the deep dish pizzeria,

Will

William Hillock

Better late than never is the saying so many use, and it came to fruition last night as the Bears closed the pre-season with a 16-10 win over the Cleveland Browns, who were resting their impact players.  Orton and the gang played only the 1st quarter before the reserves were sent in, however the story once again this week is the disappointing play of the Bears’ once stellar defense, which over the last 2 weeks has seemed to have lost its stride.  One can only hope things can be mended for next weeks opening regular season game, because if not the healed Peyton Manning will surely have a field day.

Kyle Orton saw limited work last night, however he was 4/7 with an interception but failed to find the endzone, although he was picked off as one of his throws fell short after being tackled last minute by defensive end Robaire Smith.  Rex Grossman and Caleb Hanie completed the game, with Hanie making the most of what most likely will be his final appearance this season.  Grossman orchestrated a nice lengthy drive that resulted in the Bears only TD, maybe there is hope after all.

Adrian Peterson was in fine form after resting last week, carrying 6 times for 36 yards.  Garrett Wolfe managed to rebound as well, and rookie RB Matt Forte continues to be consistent in the backfield, making the most of his limited attempts last night.  It is very possible the Bears could have Forte as the starter, with Peterson and Jones coming in depending on the given situation.

With Rashied Davis resting as well this week, Brandon Rideau was the standout WR, making 3 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.  Bradon Lloyd and Marty Booker also saw limited action, totalling 13 and 11 yards, respectively.  Greg Olsen looks good to go as the starting TE this season, making a solid catch for a nice 21 yards.  Finally, K Robbie Gould was 3/3 in FGs last night.

Stay tuned for my Bears/Colts preview early next week, hopefully by then the Bears will have solved their defensive issues, it has been really surprising to see Urlacher and the boys struggle this much for a team considered to have one of the top defences in the league.

From the deep dish pizzeria,

Will

Mike Crupi

In the Colts second game in Lucas Oil stadium, the results were much of the same as the Colts were trounced 27-7 by the Cincinnati Bengals. The Colts will conclude pre-season as 1-4 with very little to show for these losses. This pre-season has been met with some positive and negative signs as well as a shadow of a doubt as to whether or not the Blue and White will be able to repeat again as AFC South Champs.

The Colts first major concern will be at the quarterback position. The presence of Peyton Manning on the sideline and in practice is an encouraging sign for Colts fans who have taken his ability to start every regular season game of his career for granted. We are now reminded of his mortality as well as the lack of depth behind Manning. Quinn Gray showed that he could not keep from turning over the ball this preseason and was also unable to throw many touchdowns; I would expect Gray to be released in the coming weeks if Manning and Sorgi return to health. Jared Lorenzen has been average this preseason but has shown that he cannot complete much more than 50% of his passes and may stay on as a third string quarterback depending once again on the health of Manning and Sorgi. Jim Sorgi has a decent pre-season hampered by a knee injury near the end. He seems to be the best option should Manning not be ready to start the season. These three players have shown the need the Colts have for Manning if the Colts are to contend in the division this season. I expect Manning will be starting week 1 barring any major setback.

The receiving core appears to be healthy going into the season. Marvin Harrison is ageing and his production should decline; however, he appears to be showing very little ill-effects from his knee injury and could hopefully return as a legitimate target again for Manning this year. The running backs and O-line are solid heading into the season and the defense looks to be fast and ready to repeat as one of the best in the league. This should be solidified with the return and good health of Sanders and Freeney. Both players have stated that they feel great this pre-season and will be ready at almost 100% come Sunday night against the Bears. If the Colts can return to getting more pressure on the quarterback as they have in past years as opposed to last year, they should be a Super Bowl contender coming into the season.

Stating all this, remember that while the Colts do not look too strong coming out of the pre-season, the past six years the Colts have had the worst pre-season record in the league but have also had the best record in regular season play.

Stay tuned for my week 1 preview blog next weekend,

Stay Classy NFL Fans,

Mike Crupi