Chargers vs. Bears: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85), quarterback Philip Rivers (17) and running back Ronnie Brown (23) during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers are both coming off Week 1 preseason losses and are looking to rebound in their second week of preseason action when the two teams square off on Thursday on ESPN.
In front of a national audience, the Chargers will look to continue to develop on both sides of the ball while the Bears continue to implement a new offense under Marc Trestman.
Here’s a full breakdown of the game.
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago
When: August 15, 2013, 8:00 PM ET
Watch: ESPN, KUSI 51 (San Diego); WLS 7 (ABC – Chicago)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Chargers Player to Watch: Keenan Allen
Jul 26, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (13) is unable to make a reception while being defended by cornerback Johnny Patrick (26) during training camp at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
With the injuries to Danario Alexander and now Malcolm Floyd, the time may be now for rookie receiver Keenan Allen to step up in a big way and prove to the coaching staff he has learned the playbook and adapted to NFL speed.
Allen has been stuck low on the depth chart, which makes sense considering how deep it was before injuries struck. He’ll see a good amount of playing time against the Bears but will have to deal with a talented secondary.
Bears Player to Watch: Jon Bostic
November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jon Bostic (1) points during the second half against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
As the man who is supposed to replace Brian Urlacher, rookie Jon Bostic sure got off to a hot start in Week 1 of the preseason with his interception of Cam Newton, which he ended up returning for a touchdown.
Bostic needs to keep riding the wave of momentum he has created for himself. The coaching staff needs to continue to see that has what it takes to already be an every-down player.
Matchup to Watch: Chargers Passing Game vs. Bears Secondary
Aug 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) and running back Ryan Mathews (24) during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers passing game has been a mess for a few years now with Philip Rivers seemingly in a slump. It was set to see more production in 2013 when compared to recent years before the injuries struck the wide receiver position.
Rivers and his weapons will have a serious test against the Bears thanks to corners like Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. It is the perfect time for Rivers to establish some much-needed chemistry with the group against solid competition. Keep a close on the first few drives.
Prediction
Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears take to the field before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. CArolina wins 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to imagine the Chargers putting up enough points on a solid Bears defense with quality depth. Chicago will likely put up a good number of points thanks to depth at running back and quarterback.
It won’t be a pretty one, but expect the Bears to outlast the Chargers.
Chargers 10, Bears 21.
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