Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants: 7 Key Positional Battles to Watch

The Chicago Bears and New York Giants will go head to head tonight in their second preseason game of the season.

Preseason games aren't about winning or losing in the sense that the regular season is, but it is about winning and losing starting jobs.

Individual matchups in tonight's game will go a long way to determining who will be starting for each team or even who will be getting a roster spot rather than some street clothes.

William Beatty vs. Julius Peppers

The New York Giants offensive line is undergoing a transition after the release of Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara during the offseason.

O'Hara was injured last season and has been replaced by David Bass. There is more question marks surrounding Seubert's replacement, as the Giants have decided to move former left tackle David Diehl to the inside.

Diehl's replacement, William Beatty, has impressed the Giants' coaching staff to no end, but needs to develop a mean streak and establish himself in the grid iron. He will have a huge test, but also a great opportunity, tonight as he faces off against Julius Peppers.

Peppers is one of the most disruptive players in the league and can single-handedly shut down a passing game or running game. His sheer size will put Beatty under pressure while his athleticism will likely draw a second protector to take the pressure off the new starter.

The Giants will find out a lot about William Beatty in tonight's matchup, while Julius Peppers always looks to seize any opportunities to beat up on opposing quarterbacks.

Jason Pierre-Paul vs. J'Marcus Webb

Jason Pierre-Paul may be the next Julius Peppers, as his huge 6'5" 280 pound frame is makes him one of the most athletic and imposing 22-year-olds since Peppers himself.

Pierre-Paul managed two sacks against the Carolina Panthers last week in his first career start and could have a huge day against J'Marcus Webb.

Webb may have established himself as the Bears' starting left tackle last season, but outside of maybe the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, he would be a backup on any other roster.

Webb will have his hands full trying to track Pierre-Paul, who is a relentless worker. Jay Cutler's blindside will see plenty of activity tonight. If Webb cannot keep hold of Pierre-Paul one-on-one, then the Bears have no hope of running an effective offense.

Gabe Carimi vs. Justin Tuck

The reason J'Marcus Webb's battle with Jason Pierre-Paul is crucial is because there is no hope that the Bears can afford to leave Gabe Carimi matched up with Justin Tuck alone.

Carimi was the team's first-round draft pick, but he is first and foremost a mauler in the running game. He is an adequate pass protector that needs to improve his agility and quickness to handle someone like Tuck.

The last time the Bears and Giants matched up against each other, Tuck had seven total tackles and three sacks. Carimi shouldn't allow that to happen on this occasion, as he was impressive in his debut last week. But Tuck definitely has the capability to take over the game if he gets the better of the rookie.

Travis Beckum vs. Brian Urlacher

Travis Beckum needs to step up this season to replace the production lost in free agency from Kevin Boss' departure.

Beckum has been criticized so far in training camp and didn't feature in the first week of preseason. Beckum has the ability and, with the added exposure, he could flourish. He needs to prove his toughness and ability to make the difficult receptions over the middle.

That's not an easy task to complete when veteran all-pro talent Brian Urlacher is marauding in the middle of the field. Urlacher may be getting up there in age, but he still hits as heavy as anyone else in the league and can scare receivers based on his reputation alone.

How Beckum stands up to the task will be important for the Giants not only tonight but throughout the season as they look to replace both Kevin Boss and Steve Smith.

Domenik Hixon vs. Lance Briggs

Hixon and Briggs will have a similar battle to Beckum and Urlacher.

The Giants need to establish their third-choice receiver to replace Steve Smith. Smith excelled working from the slot and going over the middle. He made tough receptions and wasn't afraid to consume huge hits while still holding onto the football.

Hixon will be looking to prove that he can sufficiently carry out this role for the offense, and there is no greater test than Lance Briggs.

Briggs is a big body, but plays excellently in pass coverage for an outside linebacker. He will be looking to breakup passes and bodies by plowing into vulnerable receivers. Hixon will likely be his No. 1 target throughout the game.

Corey Webster vs. Roy Williams

Roy Williams wasn't exactly an inspiring addition for the Chicago Bears as they looked to bring in a No. 1 receiver.

However, if Williams is motivated and focused on the task at hand, he could put up huge numbers for the Bears. That motivation and determination will be tested early by the feisty Corey Webster.

Webster is a very underrated cornerback, and even if Prince Amukamara was fully healthy, he would remain the clear choice as the team's first cover man on the outside.

Williams does have somewhat of a height advantage, but Webster's strength will see them fighting for position on the football all night.

Aaron Ross vs. Johnny Knox

Ross' roster spot isn't in trouble yet, but he hasn't been impressive to this point.

The arrival of Prince Amukamara put his place in the team under threat, but his subsequent injury has given him this opportunity to stake a place to start on opening day.

Knox will be adjusting to being the team's second choice receiver and should flourish by getting the opposition's second-best cover man. He is lightning fast and will pose problems to the Giants talented secondary all night.

Serial tweeting about NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, Soccer and Rugby @Cianaf. I also write for Irish Central and Fantasy Football Life.