Even though they came back and won 27-10, the Chicago Bears starters were disappointed. The defense was picked apart by in their first drive of the season and the offense looked like the disoriented offense that we saw last season. But they will get a pass due to the fact that this is a new coaching system, and it will take them time to get into the groove of things. But we already see changes that Bears fans are not used to seeing. First thing is the new defensive system.
The 3-4 will take some time to getting used to, but the Bears players are willing to adapt to the system. Even if that means watching Jared Allen drop back in coverage every once in a while and the new blitz packages will be something to look forward to in the regular season. As for the offense, the willingness to run the ball is already there. Even when the backups were there, the Bears showed that they were willing to run the ball. Even they will not show much in pre-season, development and trust is the big thing for the Bears starters.
As for the Colts, they were picked apart by the Eagles. They lost the game 36-10 in their pre-season opener as they were dominated on all three phases in the game, including giving up a punt return touchdown to Kenjon Barner. The good thing for the Colts is that they came back with all their starters healthy and that is what matters in pre-season. Look for the Colts to show less against the Bears as both teams have been practicing with each other this week leading up to the game.
Look for Vick Ballard to get more touches for the Colts. He was injured with a torn Achilles last year and will certainly look to get back into the mix as the Colts have added Frank Gore this offseason. Ballard is younger and can still get back to his old form even after coming back from injury. With Gore not expected to play much, Ballard could get his chance to shine.
Also look for Phillip Dorsett to try and move up the depth charts. He will have a chance to shine against a Chicago secondary that is not very good at the moment. Dorsett's speed could cause speed as he is a deep threat like number one wideout T.Y. Hilton.
Both teams' starters were disappointing in their last game and will look to rebound in this game. Look for some starters to get more touches, like Matt Forte who didn't play against Miami. Neither team will show much due to the fact that this is preseason, but it will still a a fun matchup to watch.