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Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears: Hall of fame game bullet points

ByChris Schisler|
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Football is back. Here is everything you need to know about this contest between the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears:

The last meeting between the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears was a 27-24 win for the Bears. Chicago won the game in overtime, disappointing the Baltimore crowd.

  • The Ravens and Bears have played six times in the regular season. The Bears have a 4-2 record against Baltimore. 

    • Both the Ravens and Bears have a middle linebacker being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. Ray Lewis is the Ravens’ inductee, Brian Urlacher is the Bears’ inductee.

    Lewis and Urlacher are possibly the best two linebackers of their generation. Lewis had 17 seasons in the NFL, Urlacher had 13. Both had over 1,000 tackles, over 40 sacks and over 20 interceptions in their career.

    Most of the starters will not play in the Hall of Fame Game. This game will be treated much like the fourth preseason game where starters don’t usually play.

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    Playing Time:

    • One thing of interest is how much time will Lamar Jackson get to play? He is listed as the Ravens third string quarterback. Robert Griffin III may get the start, but all eyes will be waiting for Jackson to get on the field.
    • The Ravens usage of running backs will be interesting. Alex Collins is the established starter and Kenneth Dixon has had some injury concerns in training camp. Expect to see a lot of Mark Thompson and Gus Edwards to spare the Ravens top trio of Collins, Allen and Dixon.
    • Rookies could see extended playing time, because none of them are listed as starters on the first depth chart. Still look for limited action for Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews at the tight end position. They have missed some practices and pushing it may not be worth it in this game.
    • The Ravens don’t need to see much from their starting cornerbacks in this game. There is no way they can risk injury with Jimmy Smith and they won’t play much of Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey. Players getting a lot of reps in the back-end of the defense may be the ones lowest on the pecking order.

    5 players to watch and what to look for:

  • Lamar Jackson: Look to see if Jackson is going through his progressions. Look to see if his release is quick and if his throws are on time. Ideally you want to see some next level anticipation from the 1st round pick.
  • Anthony Averett: Can he play as aggressively as he did at Alabama without drawing flags in the NFL? Look for him to be a smooth athlete. You don’t want to see the young defensive back thinking and hesitating.

    • Mark Thompson:

    Does the undrafted free agent have explosive ability that can land him on the roster. Is he a run of the mill running back or does he have the burst needed to be a star?Remember, Alex Collins wasn’t supposed to be as good as he is.

  • Bradley Bozeman: The center competition is going to be a brutal one but it’s Matt Skura’s job to lose. Bozeman has to make it look easy to have a chance, which is tough for a rookie.
  • DeShon Elliott: Elliott has ball skills and play-making ability. Can he make a back up quarterback pay for a bad throw? How good of a ball hawk is he in his NFL debut?
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