Chicago Bears: 5 Players Who Have the Most Pressure to Perform Against Falcons

The Chicago Bears open their season Sunday against NFC South division champion Atlanta Falcons.

Chicago will do everything in its power to win against Matt Ryan and company, but some Bears are under more pressure to perform well than others.

Here are five players that have the most pressure to make a good first impression and avoid a slow start.

5: Roberto Garza

Center Roberto Garza will be starting in place of long-time center Olin Kreutz.

Offensive line coach Mike Tice and quarterback Jay Culter has significant confidence in the 11-year veteran. 

Garza, named an offensive captain along with Cutler, will be asked to anchor the offensive line and protect Cutler from opposing defensive lineman.

If Garza struggles the first game, it's possible cries for Chris Spencer to start at center will grow louder.

4: Roy Williams

Wide receiver Roy Williams had a very cold preseason, not having a catch in two games and giving up an interception against the Tennessee Titans.

Williams, who signed a one-year deal, is starting as the left receiver over Johnny Knox. However, Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake said Williams will not be the starter if he doesn't shape up.

If Williams does not catch the ball against the Falcons' cornerbacks and safeties, he might see less playing time behind Knox in future games.

3: Jay Cutler

Quarterback Jay Cutler has had a tough offseason with players and media questioning his toughness and his broken off engagement with Kristina Cavallari.

The embattled Cutler rehabbed from his torn MCL injury suffered against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game and led offseason workouts with his teammates.

With new capable receivers in Roy Williams and Dane Sanzenbacher coming into the fold and Earl Bennett emerging as a consistent threat, Cutler has the tools to succeed.

But will he?

If he lights up the Falcons' secondary, critics will stay silent. If Atlanta burns him, he will be torched.

2: Major Wright

Second-year player Major Wright might have the starting free safety job right now, but a bad game could change that in a hurry.

With the acquisition of Brandon Meriweather, the Bears have flexibility to move Meriweather to the starting job if Wright falters. 

Wright had an inconsistent rookie season and is still a developing player, but if he is not developing fast enough for the Bears, they might quickly decide put a proven, two-time Pro Bowl Meriweather on the field.

1: Matt Forte

Running back Matt Forte has been bugging the Bears for more money this preseason, but the team has decided to stay pat with his rookie deal.

Entering the Atlanta game, backup Marion Barber has an injured calf and will not play. This leaves most of the hard running up to Forte, as Kahlil Bell will probably only get spot work.

Forte wants to be paid like a top back, so Sunday would be a good way for him to prove his worth with a strong game.

If he rushes against Atlanta like he did in the preseason, Forte will lose some of his negotiating leverage.