Panthers pose one huge test
The challenge for the Bears' offensive line this week at Carolina is completely different from what it was at Indianapolis in Week 1.
Both play a 4-3 alignment, but the Colts have one of the smallest and quickest defensive fronts in the NFL, while the Panthers have one of the biggest, most physical groups.
The average size of the Indy starters up front is 6-feet-2, 273 pounds, pipsqueaks compared to Carolina's D-line, which averages 6-5 and 302. They're led through the buffet line by 6-5, 345-pound tackle Maake Kemoeatu. It's easier to pronounce his name (Ma-AH-kay Kay-moy-AH-too) than to move him.
"Their front's different," said Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. "It's a completely different style, different schemes, different athletes up there. Indy is not very big but very, very quick and fast. These guys are athletic and fast, but they're big and physical inside."
The Bears were able to push the Colts' front four around some in the opener, rushing for 183 yards on 39 carries. They won't be able to overpower the Panthers as easily, but that doesn't mean they won't make running the ball a priority.
"It changes what we do because we have to prepare for what they do," Turner said. "But the key to being successful is to run your base plays in the running game, with your protections, and in the pass game, and then have a few wrinkles that you do to attack what they're doing. But you still have to do what you do well."
For the Bears that means establishing the ground game, although the Panthers and every other opponent they face will take note of how well they ran on the Colts, and it will change the way defenses play them.
"Of course teams are going to put more players in the box," said rookie running back Matt Forte, who gashed the Colts for 123 yards, "but that should give us more opportunities to make plays in the passing game."
The Bears' chances of improving on last week's 136 passing yards depend on the protection provided for quarterback Kyle Orton, who was sacked twice Sunday night.
Against the Colts, Bears left tackle John St. Clair had to deal with 6-1, 268-pound Dwight Freeney, who has four double-digit sack seasons.
This week he gets 6-7, 283-pound Julius Peppers, who had just 2 sacks last season but hit double figures the three previous seasons and in four of his first five years in the league.
The Panthers' other end is 6-6, 280-pound Tyler Brayton, and Damione Lewis, at 6-2 and 301, plays next to Kemoeatu inside.
Facing Freeney last week prepared St. Clair for dealing with a premier pass rusher, but Peppers is a different beast.
"It does (help) your confidence level to work against somebody like Freeney, who's one of the best in the league," St. Clair said. "This week it's another guy who's one of the best in the league, but they're totally different in style.
"That whole (Colts) defensive line is a lot smaller, quicker, a lot of spin moves and things. This week we've got bigger guys for Carolina, big, strong guys. It'll be a challenge, but we'll be up for the challenge. You work hard, practice hard and let the chips fall where they may."