Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos Preseason Game Preview

DENVER, CO – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos sets to pass as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos preseason matchup is becoming an annual thing. Only this time it’s going to change venues going to Mile High.

For a little perspective, the last time the Bears made a preseason visit to Denver, Jay Cutler was starting his first year as their quarterback. It’s been a long time and now a new young quarterback is trying to carve out his own legacy in Chicago. It’s not going to be easy as he’ll be facing a strong Broncos defense led by Von Miller and #5 overall pick Bradley Chubb.

Meanwhile the Bears defense is trying to sort out their own pass rush concerns and will do so against a familiar face in Case Keenum, fresh off his one-year miracle run in Minnesota. The Broncos offense has a lot of new parts to it and plenty to sort out in ever lessening time. So what should be expected in the coming game between the two?

Storylines:

How weak are the Broncos back six?

The running theme out of joint practices thus far between the two teams is how much success the Bears receivers and especially their tight ends have had against the Broncos secondary and inside linebackers. This is a disturbing trend that began to show up the weak before against Minnesota who hung 40 points on Denver in the preseason opener. It leads one to worry that this might not be a complete defense anymore but one dependent on its loaded front.

Will Matt Nagy let Mitch Trubisky off the chain?

Yes, Trubisky threw deep on his first pass of the preseason, but that’s not what is meant by off the leash. It’s been obvious the Bears aren’t running a lot of the things that this new offense displayed in practice over the past few weeks. No doubt this is on purpose because Nagy doesn’t wish to give anything away ahead of the Packers matchup this September. Still he also has to start getting his young QB some confidence. Will he open up the playbook a little more?

Players to watch:

More from NFL Mocks

Jeff Holland (OLB)

The Broncos have a logjam at the edge rusher position developing. They already have Von Miller and Bradley Chubb set as starters. Then there’s former 1st rounder Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett behind them. Now undrafted free agent Jeff Holland is making a push for consideration after a solid preseason debut. If he continues to play well it could create an interesting dilemma for Denver.

Paxton Lynch (QB)

Forget winning the starting job. Now the former 1st round pick has to worry about whether he can even survive on the roster. Paxton Lynch was earmarked for the backup job behind Case Keenum but that idea was iced when Chad Kelly leapfrogged him on the depth chart thanks to a strong performance in the preseason opener. If Lynch doesn’t respond quickly, he could get cut.

Roquan Smith (ILB)

It took almost a full extra month for the Bears to finally sign their 1st round pick. Now Roquan Smith has just three weeks to play catch up if he wants a chance at the starting job before the opener in Green Bay. It’s uncertain how much he’ll play in this game, or if he does at all. Then again the coaches know he can’t get up to speed without reps. So that bears watching.

Cody Whitehair (C)

The Bears refuse to admit there’s a problem going on at center. This despite frequent indicators that Cody Whitehair is having serious issues with snapping the ball. For two-straight days there have been reports of bad snaps to Mitch Trubisky, throwing off the timing of plays. This is something that has plagued him since last season. How much longer do they let it go on?

Key position battles:

James Daniels vs. Eric Kush (LG)

Many people think Daniels should be put at center to replace Whitehair. Since that’s not happening according to the Bears, his best shot to see the field is winning the left guard job. Right now veteran Eric Kush seems to have a grasp on that but Daniels is gaining. He was excellent against Cincinnati. If he can deliver again in Denver, that battle could take a major swing.

Todd Davis vs. Josey Jewell (ILB)

As mentioned above the Broncos have a serious issue with their inside linebacker situation. Opposing tight ends are constantly creating havoc for them and it’s a weakness they have to overcome. Brandon Marshall is entrenched as a starter but the spot next to him is questionable. Todd Davis and rookie Josey Jewell look like favorites to challenge for it.

Prediction: Broncos win 26-24

The trend for the Bears so far this preseason on the road is it will be a tight game that ultimately ends in a loss. Expect both offenses to come out swinging as they’ve done in practice thus far. Whoever is able to execute better will set the tone for the rest of the evening. Having home field should benefit the Broncos most in that regard.

Home/NFL Hot Takes