Preseason week 1 preview: Bears-Dolphins position battles, Justin Fields debut and more

Preseason storylines? We got those! Bears football is here and there’s more to it than just Justin Fields’ debut (but let’s face it: that’s why we’re here)

While the first preseason game can get some fans all excited, it’s always a quick let down when all the back ups get in and there really isn’t much to see.

The football eventually becomes unwatchable as the talent drops off to guys who, despite their best efforts, just don’t have what it takes to make it in the pros.

However, Saturday’s noon match up against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field is going to be must-see TV for Bears fans only because of Justin Fields.

We’re all anxious to see the future of the franchise throw his first passes in a Bears jersey at Soldier Field.

But there’s more to this game than Justin Fields.

OK, maybe not actually…

Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins

Game day, time, TV: Saturday, noon Central, FOX32 Chicago, NFLN

What to watch for

Fields. Fields. Fields. And Fields.

Right? That’s where this game stops and starts. I cannot remember a more anticipated preseason debut since 2017.

Let’s see if the kid can make some plays and, most importantly, come out unscathed.

But before Justin takes the Field(s) (haha I’m so clever), take a look at Andy Dalton too.

Does Dalton look sharp? Do his reps look like he’s good enough to hold off the rookie? Depending on your stance, whether you want Fields to start right away or sit back and learn a little longer, what you root for to answer those questions may be different.

Me? I just want to see the best man play who will give the Bears the best chance to win. I want Dalton to look sharp and confident and ready to go and I want Fields to look like he’s going to push Dalton to be at his best.

Beyond the quarterbacks, the thing that caught my eye on the Bears’ first unofficial depth chart this week was that Damien Williams is ahead of rookie Khalil Herbert as David Montgomery’s back up. I want to see what the rook can do, he’s gotten good reviews in camp and was a good prospect coming out of Virginia Tech.

I also want to see what that offensive line looks like with all of the issues they’ve gone through early in camp. How will the starting group of Elijah Wilkinson, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, James Daniels Alex Bars who ever ends up at left guard, and Lachavious Simmons, look? That is, if all of those guys are healthy enough to start.

Finally, I want to see how the receiver depth shakes out, especially Riley Ridley who is entering a do-or-die season against Javon Wims, and the veteran Marquise Goodwin, who is currently listed as the No. 3.

On the other side of the ball I am very curious to get a look at the cornerback depth, specifically Kindle Vildor, Artie Burns (if he’s healthy), Desmond Trufant and Duke Shelley.

I also want to see the linebacker depth. How do top back ups Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Christian Jones and the newly signed interceptor Alec Ogletree look to shake out?

That’s my short preview for this week’s game. What will you be watching for?