Lovie knows opposing coach better than his own offense

Lovie Smith may know Thursdayy’s opposing coach better than his own team.

Smith and Kansas City coach Herm Edwards were assistants together under Tony Dungy at Tampa Bay.

The Chiefs, who ranked in the top five in nine NFL defensive categories last year, should be a good challenge for Chicago’s unknown offense in Thursday’s preseason opener at Soldier Field.

“We’re all excited to figure out who the quarterback is going to be,” safety Mike Brown said.

It’s going to be Kyle Orton at first. But Rex Grossman will also play with the first-team offense.

“That’s why we’re going to play our 1s a little bit longer,” Smith said of the first-team offense. “I want both guys to get an equal opportunity. We’d like to get it done as soon as possible, but we have to let it play out. I’m anxious to see Round 1.”

The Bears’ position battles begin at quarterback, but they go far beyond that. The defense is basically set, with 10 starters, including five former Pro Bowlers, returning. But on offense, the Bears list co-starters at quarterback and both receiver positions, rookie running back Matt Forte just passed Adrian Peterson on the depth chart this week and two possible offensive line starters are out in rookie No. 1 pick Chris Williams (back) and guard Terrence Metcalf (knee).

Smith said Anthony Oakley, a fourth-year lineman who has never played in a regular season game, will probably start at left guard.

“We’re working through some things on who is going to start on the offensive line,” Smith said. “First we’ll see who is able to go, and then we’ll go from there.”

Smith said “the beauty of having some injuries is you get a chance to look at all of the players.” Well, that look starts Thursday night, because Smith “doesn’t get too high” on training-camp drills that don’t involve tackling or finishing plays.

“Some of the players we haven’t seen, this is really our first shot to know exactly where they are,” Smith said. “Everybody we feel has a chance of helping us this year, we will let them play. And not play late in games. We’re talking about early, so we get a good read on exactly where they are.”

That means Orton and Grossman, several linemen, all the receivers, and even the much-hyped Forte.

“I get to show the coaches what I can do in full contact,” Forte said. “I’ve got to prove I can run outside the tackles, inside the tackles, all of that.”

“Everybody,” cornerback Nathan Vasher said, “is going to be excited to see Matt Forte.”

And eager to see the quarterbacks.

“This will be a big indicator of what’s going to go on,” Orton said.

Particularly for the most unproven players.

“It’s good to see where we stand,” said Brown, who is back after missing 15 games with a knee injury last year.

“This is when you find out who rises to the occasion when the lights go on and who goes into hiding. It happens every year. Some guys are great in practice, but for some reason, when it’s game time, they don’t perform. Some people are the opposite. Talk to anybody, they want gamers.”

The Bears want gamers. But do they have them? They’ll start to get answers Thursday.

“It’s going to be exciting. I don’t know what to expect,” rookie safety Craig Steltz said.

Assistant Sports Editor Matt Trowbridge can be reached at: 815-987-1383 ormtrowbridge@rrstar.com.