Three final things to watch heading into today’s opener:
- How does Shea McClellin fare on third downs in exclusive pass rushing situations? I expect the Bears to have success on early downs, specifically against the run, and Shea’s emergence opposite Julius Peppers will be key to the Bears getting off the field on defense.
- How do the Bears tight ends work into the offense? Will Kellen Davis become the primary receiver? (Tony Scheffler had nearly 700 yards in Denver in 2008.) Will Mat Spaeth be strict protection for J’Marcus Webb on the left side? Will Evan Rodriguez have a role in the base offense as a FB/HB hybrid? Will Kyle Adams even be active?
- How does Urlacher’s knee look after contact? How does he look in the third and fourth quarters?
Bear down.