Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons To Watch This Preseason

May 12, 2017; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) works out with Jordan West (9) during the Bear’s Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears, like most other NFL teams, find it hard drawing a crowd for their preseason games every year. For obvious reasons.

It’s hard to drive up fan interest in paying normal ticket prices for games that don’t count. Well there’s a strong chance that 2017 could be a rare exception to the rule. There are suddenly a load of intriguing storylines unfolding across the roster. Many of them that could use the preseason schedule to play out. Here are five that people need to know about.

Mitch Trubisky vs. Mike Glennon

This is without question the big attraction of 2017. There hasn’t been a quarterback battle of this magnitude going into a season once in team history. It’s the classic former backup vying to prove he can be a starter (Mike Glennon) going against the highly touted 1st round pick (Mitch Trubisky). Both have big chips on their shoulders and are attacking the offseason with relentless fervor according to many reports. Their battle for the starting job should be intense.

The wide receiver royal rumble

The exit of Alshon Jeffery has left a vacuum on the Bears wide receiver depth chart. It’s hard to see who their top guys are going to be this year. It’s an interesting group including Kevin White, Cameron Meredith, Victor Cruz, Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright among others. All those men came into this year with lots to prove. If they want to accomplish that mission, they need to win a spot on the roster. Who is going to step up? There’s no way to tell.

Baby Gronk

The Bears took Division II standout Adam Shaheen in the 2nd round. Many felt that was a risk given his humble origins. However, there had already been a buzz growing about the tight end. Most notably that he resembled the kind of big, freakishly athletic type that made Rob Gronkowski a superstar. Hence his nickname “Baby Gronk.” Early returns from minicamps are he’s tearing it up, making all sorts of impressive catches. That could be something worth paying to see.

A bigger, faster, stronger Leonard Floyd

Concussion issues aside, the rookie season for Leonard Floyd was a success. The question moving forward was could he properly tone and build his body for the NFL? He believes so. According to his own statement he’s somewhere in the vicinity of 247 lbs, seven more than last year. Not only is he stronger, but also faster. That’s frightening to think about considering he was already blazing fast for his size. Add more power to the mix? That could be trouble for opposing quarterbacks.

The secondary shuffle

Eight interceptions in 2016. That’s all the secondary was able to produce. It’s hard to win football games when that happens. It’s why the Bears spent a ton of money in free agency revamping the corner and safety positions. Prince Amukamara, Marcus Cooper and Quintin Demps join the fray. Bringing a veteran flavor to an overly young mix. All three men are known for their solid skills in pass coverage. Can they rev things up back there? Time will tell.

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