Bears to get first glimpse of Manning with Broncos (Preseason)
Bears facing Denver in preseason opener
Bears to get first glimpse of Manning with Broncos
By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 4/4/2012 2:05 PM
Preseason games are rarely if ever historic, but that could change this summer.
The NFL announced Wednesday that the Bears will open the preseason by hosting the Broncos the weekend of Aug. 9-12, meaning that fans at Soldier Field could see future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning in a Denver uniform for the first time.
The NFL’s only four-time Most Valuable Player signed with the Broncos March 20 after 14 illustrious seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
On the flip side, quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall could make their debut as Bears teammates against the team they played for from 2006-08. Building an excellent rapport in Denver, Cutler and Marshall both developed into Pro Bowlers.
The Bears likely will face another highly-touted quarterback in their second preseason game when they host the Redskins the weekend of Aug. 16-19. After trading up in the draft, Washington is expected to select Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick.
The Bears will then play their final two preseason games on the road, at the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in a nationally-televised contest on CBS Friday, Aug. 24 and at the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 30.
Exact dates and times for the first two preseason games will be released later this spring.
The games against the Broncos, Redskins and Browns will be produced and broadcast by the Chicago Bears Network in high definition. Each of those games will be shown live on WFLD-TV in Chicago and stations throughout the Midwest. All four preseason games will be broadcast on WBBM radio with Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer.
The NFL regular season schedule is expected to be announced later this month. In addition to home and away games against the Lions, Packers and Vikings, the Bears are slated to host the Panthers, Texans, Colts, Rams and Seahawks; and visit the Cardinals, Cowboys, Jaguars, 49ers and Titans.
