Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears: 5 Subplots To Watch

CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 11: Paxton Lynch /

Late year when the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears met in preseason, it was a rather ugly affair for the host team at Soldier Field.

Perhaps in hindsight that was the first indication of how difficult their subsequent 3-13 campaign in 2016 would be. Now the Bears are hoping they’ve done enough this offseason to make progress. Testing their mettle against the Broncos again marks the perfect opportunity. Meanwhile Denver also is plenty interested to see certain scenarios play out.

Here is a breakdown of five scenarios that both teams will be watching when the action begins Thursday evening.

Paxton Lynch and Mitch Trubisky in their starting job chases

Right now the Broncos and Bears are choosing to stick with experience at the quarterback position with Trevor Siemian and Mike Glennon respectively as starters. What will be interesting to watch is how their young guns Paxton Lynch and Mitch Trubisky respond in their first live game action of the season. If either can put together a strong performance, could that start the ball rolling towards them swiping the job?

Denver front seven vs. Jordan Howard

Things were off for the vaunted Broncos defense last year. Though they were still excellent against the pass, their run stoppage ability went down the toilet. They finished ranked 27th in the league. Since then they’ve revamped the interior of their front seven with Domata Peko at nose tackle. That move is about to get a stiff test against Pro Bowl running back Jordan Howard, who is reportedly slimmed down and faster than last season.

Bears revamped secondary and their ability to force turnovers

The number 11 is almost certainly plastered all over the Bears locker room where the defensive backs hang out. That’s how many interceptions the team had in 2016, a record-tying low. It’s little wonder the team spent the offseason signing or drafting talents known for their ballhawking ability like Quintin Demps, Marcus Cooper and Eddie Jackson. This will be the first test to see if the team made enough moves to have the desired effect.

Garrett Bolles vs. Leonard Floyd

The Broncos knew their offensive line needed a boost in a big way. That’s why they drafted left tackle Garrett Bolles. They hope he can keep their quarterbacks clean. On the flip side the Bears have sky high expectation for outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. He’s reportedly thicker and stronger than last season without losing his trademark speed. Watching those two go head to head will be a great indicator of where they’re at.

Mike Glennon’s ability to avoid pressure

Everybody likes to mention how Glennon is so tall and can see over an offensive line with ease. What remains somewhat uncertain is whether he can consistently avoid pressure. Glennon isn’t known for his mobility. So going against that tough Broncos pass rush will be a great opening challenge to see if his time on the bench in Tampa taught him anything. It will be interesting to see if the Bears try helping him by running early.

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