5 Things To Know Before Bears' Pre-Season Opener

The Bears kick off their pre-season with a game at Carolina on Friday night. The game starts at 7 p.m. Here's what you need to know before you tune in.

Very limited playing time for starters: If you were hoping to see how Jay Cutler is adjusting to his offensive line and new coach, or Julius Peppers running down his former team, temper your expectations. Marc Trestman said he will judge the amount of reps starters get on the flow of the game. They won't be on the field for long.

Marc Trestman adjusting to an NFL clock: Before coaching the Bears, Trestman had his first head coaching job in the Canadian Football League. There are several differences in the way the clock is managed, and this will be Trestman's first test. Joe DeCamillis, the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, is expected to help.

Camp stars getting game action: Wide receiver Joe Anderson and cornerback Isaiah Frey have generated lots of buzz with their standout play during training camp. This will be their first chance to play with live tackling and in a real situation.

Rookies under the big lights: First-round draft pick Kyle Long has been struggling to catch up to his teammates after NFL rules prohibited him from attending off-season training. Second-round pick Jon Bostic got more reps because of D.J. Williams injury. They are expected to play much of the game.

Devin Hester, Lance Briggs in new roles: Two long-time Bears are in new roles this season. Hester will solely be a special teams man. After years of playing next to Brian Urlacher, Briggs will call out the plays for defense.
 

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