Colts at Bears: Five pivotal factors

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The Indianapolis Colts open their 2012 season Sunday against the Bears in Chicago's Soldier Field. The Bears will be heavily favored over the rebuilt Colts. Here are five pivotal factors:

How long will the Indianapolis Colts offensive line give rookie quarterback Andrew Luck to operate? The speed of the game picks up dramatically once the regular season hits, Colts center Samson Satele said this week. There's only one first time to encounter an NFL defense and this is Luck's first time. The Bears know it, and they'll bring the heat.

The preseason was not necessarily encouraging that the Colts' rebuilt defense will be any better at slowing a strong running game than its predecessor. Forte has proved to be one of the best backs in the NFL, combining power and speed. If he has the openings, and the Bears establish a running game, that gives Jay Cutler exactly what he needs to pick apart the Colts.

Indianapolis took a chance in acquiring Davis from the Miami Dolphins because they were one starting cornerback short of a pair. Colts coach Chuck Pagano has said they'll consider moving Davis and his teammate Jerraud Powers around as the season progresses. Davis doesn't seem likely to be tagged solely with slowing Brandon Marshall this Sunday, but the two should encounter each other at some point.

Cutler brings experience and confidence into the opening game, along with a favorable environment at Soldier Field. He has ample weapons beyond Forte and Marshall, including the rookie Alshon Jeffery. It's easier to jump into the NFL as a rookie wide receiver than almost any other position. If Cutler avoids mistakes, the Bears can methodically keep their distance on the young Colts' offense.

If Collie returns to the Colts lineup, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians plans to use the full repertoire of plays, including those cringe-worthy patterns with Collie over the middle into traffic. We'll all be waiting, anxiously, for that first hit. If Collie doesn't play, we may find out whether Donnie Avery can handle being a featured wide receiver. After all, Luck can't just throw to Reggie Wayne all day. Or can he?

rhayes@news-sentinel.com