WHAT TO WATCH 4
Key matchup
This game is a huge test for an unsettled Bears offensive line, and nowhere more than at left tackle, where rookie Braxton Jones will start — likely getting a heavy dose of 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, who had 15½ sacks and an NFL-best 21 tackles for loss last season.
Jones, a fifth-round draft pick from Southern Utah who at this time last year was preparing for Tarleton State, has met every challenge so far since earning an initial look as a starter in OTAs. He knows what he’s up against — as best he can know — but he isn’t selling himself short.
“He’s a great player,” Jones said of Bosa. “Obvious a vet in this league. Everybody knows who Nick Bosa is — you’ve got to respect what he does. I think it’s a good chance to go out and attack a player and have a great game.”
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The Bears were 3-0 in the preseason, but the preseason isn’t much of a barometer. For what it’s worth, the Colts were 0-4 in season openers when Bears coach Matt Eberflus was their defensive coordinator, with the defense allowing an average of 28 points in losses to the Seahawks in 2021 (28-16), the Jaguars in 2020 (27-20), the Chargers in 2019 (30-24 in overtime) and the Bengals in 2018 (34-23).
The 49ers are 2-3 in season openers under coach Kyle Shanahan, including a 41-33 victory over the Lions last season at Ford Field.
Player to watch
A year ago at this time, Justin Fields was a rookie backup to veteran Andy Dalton in an illfated apprenticeship plan that seemed doomed from the start. Now Fields is the unquestioned starter, a team captain and the player who sets the tone not only for the offense but also the defense.
“There’s a lot more confidence knowing it’s his show, [that] he’s the guy we’re looking at,” veteran defensive end Robert Quinn said. “And everyone else is embracing it around him, making sure they do their jobs but helping him be successful as well. It’s a joint thing. Everyone’s got to do their part.”
Although Fields has had moments of being spectacular — including a 22-yard touchdown run against the 49ers last season — much of his success at this stage is likely to depend on his supporting cast. If the Bears can run the ball and protect him, he’ll have a chance to reach another level.
X-factor
Eberflus has looked the part of NFL head coach. But game-day management is a new challenge.
“We’ve been working on that since the last preseason game,” Eberflus said. “We’re continuing to educate and go through scenarios. Somebody once said those situations are like snowflakes — they’re all different. Time, timeouts, score, field position, all that. I think it’s important we keep educating ourselves so we do a good job on game day.”