Chicago Bears: 3 things to watch for in first preseason game

Leader in the Clubhouse?

Finally, the most intriguing storyline of the first preseason game has to be the kicking situation. All eyes will be on Eddy Pineiro and Elliott Fry as they continue their battle to emerge as the Bears kicker for the 2019 season.

Each has performed admirably so far in training camp, but the pressure will ratchet up considerably when they get into a game situation and have to get off a kick in game conditions against a defense rushing to block it.

Matt Nagy has indicated that both players will kick on Thursday, though the rotation and how he will specifically utilize them is unknown. Nevertheless, it will be very interesting to see how they respond to the added pressure. While both have performed well in camp, Pineiro has flashed the stronger leg. However, Fry has previous game experience in the AAF last season, hitting all 14 of his field-goal attempts with a long of 44-yards.

So which will prevail on Thursday? Will Pineiro’s big leg come through, or will Fry’s past experience give him the advantage in a pressure-packed situation? Yes, each player has built up some capital with their strong performances in camp but can undo it all with a poor performance in the games. This is where Nagy and staff will start to separate the wheat from the chaff. If one of these kickers want to separate themselves and take ahold of this battle, Thursday presents a great opportunity.