Chicago Bears camp battles: Louis vs. Rachal

This training camp battle may not be one that generates a lot of headlines, but it will be one of the more important battles in camp.

The battle for the starting right guard position between Lance Louis and Chilo Rachal.  Louis has never been able to hold down the starting position at RG even though he's essentially been gifted that role the last two seasons.

Louis has been called by offensive coordinator Mike Tice ideally suited for the position.  An injury to Louis forced him out of the position in 2010 and injury followed by failed performance by Frank Omiyale forced Louis to RT last year.

Roberto Garza essentially entrenched himself back at RG in 2010 while Chris Williams moved in at LG.  Now with Garza at center there's an open competition at RG and Louis has to step up and seize the position for himself.

The time is now for Louis, this is likely his last shot to become a long time starter in the NFL.  If he fails this year to live up to his potential, he's likely out of the league.

Louis has decent strength, size, quick feet and athleticism.  His athleticism was on display last year when he started at RT.

Now is the time for Louis to step up and put everything together and become a good player.  Louis' biggest weakness is technique and consistency.

He doesn't seem to display a nasty demeanor, nor does he come off as a competitor.  Now with a solid player ready to push him, those characteristics need to be on display.

Pushing Louis will be one time secret super star Chilo Rachal who fell from grace during the 2011 season.  Rachal was one of the better rated offensive guards in 2010, but was awful in 2011.

Rachal was a mauler, opening up running lane against some of the leagues best including Darnell Dockett of the Arizona Cardinals.  Rachal wasn't as strong in pass protection and that seemed to prove his unraveling in 2011.

Rachal was benched and received little interest in free agency.  He eventually signed a one year deal with the Bears and now is competing with Louis for his  NFL life.

The question did Rachal like Louis get the wakeup call?  It's not the most enviable position battle you'd like to have on your roster, two bad players trying to reach their potential.

However it is a necessary evil in the NFL and one that will hopefully spawn a competent player.

The battle will be key to find out who wants to still play in the NFL.  Can they refine their skills to match their potential?  If so the winner could be a long-time fixture on the Bears' O-Line.