Chicago Bears: A Complete Hall of Fame Game Preview

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Roquan Smith of Georgia poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #8 overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Storylines going into the game

The first trials of the Matt Nagy offense

Mitch Trubisky and the starters are almost guaranteed to not play in this game, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn more about the Matt Nagy offense. It will be the first time it’s put into action against another team, executed by two men who know it well in Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray. Preseason or not, that should provide valuable tape for the starters to pour over.

Matt Nagy: one of the details the #Bears and Roquan Smith have been hung up on is related to the new helmet lowering rule, which for the first time allows for players to be suspended
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) July 28, 2018

What is happening with Roquan Smith?

Days after day, the Bears’ 1st round pick remains a no-show at training camp. The #8 overall selection has seen his contract mired in a deadlock, the two sides unable to reach an agreement on language in the deal regarding the new NFL helmet rule. Some are wondering if Smith will ever show up at all. Meanwhile, veteran Nick Kwiatkoski is taking full advantage of his absence at inside linebacker.

Is the pass rush as weak as people fear?

Akiem Hicks and Leonard Floyd will be the central component to the Bears pass rush this season. Beyond them? It’s a load of question marks. The defense needs answers and much of their depth chart is unproven in this critical capacity. This game will be the first glimpse of just how deep (or thin) their rush reserves are.

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