Bears vs. Raiders: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears are two teams headed in very different directions next season. The Raiders are in a full blown rebuilding mode while the Bears are looking to take the next step under new guidance.
Both will meet for a Week 3 preseason showdown which figures to see starters play the majority of the game. Oakland needs to find a quarterback while Chicago simply needs to keep ironing out its new offense.
Here is a full breakdown.
Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland
When: August 23, 2013, 10:00 PM ET
Watch: WFLD 32 (FOX – Chicago), KICU 36 (San Francisco/Oakland) – tape delay
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Bears Player to Watch: Michael Ford
Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Michael Ford (32) is tackled by San Diego Chargers linebacker Frank Beltre (46) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears may have thought they had things figured out at the running back position going into the preseason thanks to Matt Forte and Michael Bush, but Michael Ford has given the team something to think about.
Ford has looked solid in two outings so far. He may not be able to push for serious playing time, but he has all but assured himself a roster spot. Ford will have an opportunity to beat up on a reeling Raiders defense stuck in neutral, so watch to see if he betters his case.
RaidersPlayer to Watch: Terrelle Pryor
Aug 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Oakland 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders have to find a starting quarterback. Mat Flynn may look and sound like an obvious starter, but he and Terrelle Pryor have not been very impressive this preseason.
Pryor threw for 88 yards and added another 31 on the ground last week, once again showing his versatility. It is something that may give him the edge in the quarterback competition. At this point it really is not settled.
Matchup to Watch: Raiders Passing vs. Bears Secondary
Aug 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Flynn (15) celebrates with fullback Marcel Reece (45) after throwing a touchdown during the second quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sticking with that same theme, both Flynn and Pryor have their hands full against the Bears thanks to a secondary that features Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman.
Both have shown little as passers and things are not going to get any easier here. If one can manage to break through against a tough defense, it would given him a huge advantage in the competition.
Prediction
Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Michael Ford (32) runs for a gain against the San Diego Chargers during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
This one is easy. The Raiders do not have a lot of depth to speak of and are even starting some players that would be featured as backups elsewhere.
Bears easily.
Bears 17, Raiders 3