Offensive tackle Leno has come a long way

Offensive left tackle Charles Leno has come a long way in a short time since he was a seventh-round draft choice in 2014 out of Boise State.

Leno moved into the starting lineup in Week Four of his second season and hasn't missed a start since.

On Aug. 23 he was rewarded with a four-year extension for $37 million over four years with $21.6 million guaranteed. The Bears are hoping other young players take notice and follow the path Leno has taken.

"The best form of free agency is extending your own guys because you know the most about them," GM Ryan Pace said. "He does things the right way, he's a true pro, and he's gotten better and better, and he's going to continue to ascend. The locker room's paying attention to who we're rewarding."

The money is well-deserved, according to guard Kyle Long.

"He works so freaking hard," Long said. "He's poured himself into this game since the first day he got here. Couldn't be happier for Charles Leno."

Turn of events:

Many observers assumed that 2014 first-round pick Kyle Fuller would be wearing a different uniform on opening day 2017 after missing the entire 2016 season following arthroscopic knee surgery.

With Prince Amukamara doubtful Sunday with a sprained ankle, Fuller is expected to be in the starting lineup.

"Talk about a guy who has persevered through injury," GM Ryan Pace said. "He's just shown that he's healthy. You can see that his movement skills have improved. He's playing confident right now. He's set for a big test this weekend - all of our secondary is. But I'm just proud of the way he's come back and persevered through those injuries."

Fuller had 2 interceptions in his second NFL game, one week before he moved into the starting lineup for the next 30 straight games.

He never was able to recover last year after arthroscopic knee surgery in training camp, but he's impressed coaches since the start of training camp.

"We're aware of his ability, but getting him back healthy has been a real plus for our defense," coach John Fox said. "I'm excited to watch him."

Special matchup:

The Falcons have a wide array of dangerous skill-position players - none more so than 6-foot-3, 220-pound four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones.

"The reason he's so good is because he's complete," Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "He's big, so he's got the qualities of a big receiver; he's strong. He's fast and quick, so he's got the qualities of a little receiver.

"He's the total package."

It's a tough assignment for cornerbacks Marcus Cooper and Kyle Fuller.

"They just have to be really, really sound in their technique and have to come with a mindset to play hard because this guy (Jones) plays hard and tough. We have to match that. But he's a special player. He'll be a tough matchup for us."

The great unknown:

It's not just the pomp and circumstance of opening day, or the renewed hope that every new season presents.

For coaches, it's a greater challenge because their most recent info on opponents comes from the preseason, which isn't much help.

"It is unique," Bears coach John Fox said. "Their team's different, our team's different. Their coaching staff hasn't seen them play in a real game; neither have we.

"You don't know exactly what to expect, and that makes it challenging. I think there's unscouted looks. They've got two different coordinators. Even though we might remain the same, there's things we haven't used in the preseason just like there's things they probably haven't used."

No doubts:

Three-time Pro Bowler Kyle Long is not expected to play Sunday as he continues his rehab from ankle surgery.

GM Ryan Pace trusts he can return to his old form.

"Based on our trainers, and his work ethic, no hesitation," Pace said. "Kyle's doing really well."

Narrow focus:

John Fox's future employment may depend on his team showing significant progress over last year's 3-13 disaster.

So, what would define progress this year?

"You don't do that," Fox said. "I don't think anybody is looking anywhere past Atlanta at this stage. If they are, I'll have to have a talk with them.

"Our focus, since we broke camp and we finished the preseason, has been on Atlanta."

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