Emma: 5 Bears-Colts Observations

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) No great stock should be taken in the cumulative results of a preseason game. Sure, the Bears are 2-0 following a 23-11 win over on Saturday, a nice credit to their enlarged preseason roster.

But the real results to measure come from individual measures. How are specific players and units looking in the preseason?

During Chicago's victory in Indianapolis, there were plenty of encouraging sights, plus several key concerns.

Here are the takeaways from the game.

1.) Monsters of the preseason?

Early and often, the Bears' defensive front showed its growing comfort. Pernell McPhee blew by Colts tackle Ryan Mewhort on the first series, throwing Andrew Luck down to the turf. He kept getting to the backfield, as did Jared Allen off his end. The Bears generated a consistent pass rush in their 3-4 defense, recording four sacks on the game.

It's clear that the Bears have a growing comfort in their new schemes, as evidenced by Allen's ability to get after the quarterback from his new spot and also how he can drop into coverage. McPhee looked like a natural, the man trusted when brought in to bolster this defense. And the complementary pieces of the front have surely impressed.

"For guys to be able to get to the quarterback early, that shows where guys are at individually," Allen said. "Training camp is a process individually. Overall, well done. Just trying to get the ball out. Guys are out there working hard to get better."

2.) Fuller flounders

On a bullet over the middle, Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton beat Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller for a big play, one that could've become a touchdown. Adding to it, Fuller picked up a personal foul after the play. The damage done by Luck and Hilton looked eerily similar to plays made by Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal throughout training camp, where Fuller has consistently struggled.

"Players are supposed to make a leap between first and second years," Hall of Fame writer and 670 The Score contributor Dan Pompei tweeted. "So far, we haven't seen that from Kyle Fuller."

Maybe there's great production ahead for Fuller or perhaps he hasn't quite accelerated up the learning curve just yet, but the constant struggles from a second-year player are of great concern. It's time for Fuller to be better.

3.) Lauding Langford

Let's not jump to any large conclusions from a pair of preseason games, but it appears the Bears may have something in Jeremy Langford, the rookie running back who has shown the potential to stick with this roster. Langford broke the game's biggest play, a 46-yard run down the middle of Indianapolis' defense.

"He's grown very well," Bears running back Matt Forte said of Langford. "He had a nice run, was really patient and set up the safety real well. He was able to break the tackle and get a long run. He's come along nicely. That's what we've been trying to do, establish that run and help the quarterbacks."

What stood out about Langford's running abilities was how he flies downhill, as displayed on the long run. In addition, he has terrific vision and the ability to change direction off his reads. These are impressive, natural traits that are positive to see from a newcomer.

4.) Who takes over at tackle?

In fairness, penalties likely overshadowed what was an OK start for Charles Leno. But Saturday's contest made it clear that the Bears have some issues at right tackle. Leno was given the starting nod over Jordan Mills, the third-year player who has made 29 starts over the past two seasons.

"It's competition," coach John Fox said. "We're going to continue to compete. No jobs have been won yet. We're still figuring out who our 53 best players are going to be. We'll continue to do that. I thought we made progress tonight in really all phases, by no means have we arrived. If we can keep that mindset, I think we'll continue to improve."

Improvements must come soon, because a weak link at the end of the offensive line would be detrimental to an offense that already has such little margin for error. Whether it's Leno, Mills or even Kyle Long starting at right tackle, the Bears must figure out a way to make this work.

5.) Here's to Mariani

The Bears' special teams have been a disaster the past two seasons. Without Dave Toub leading the unit, there have been countless problems. One aspect that's been lacking for Chicago has been an explosive return game. Maybe Marc Mariani can change that.

"Marc had some good returns, stepped in there," Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said. "Did a nice job for us."

Mariani appears to have the Bears' returner role locked down, and he impressed once again on Saturday with some big returns. Mariani's a speedster with quick feet and the ability to improvise in his returns. It would take somebody special to top Devin Hester, but all the Bears can ask is for a serviceable returner. They may have that in Mariani.

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.