CHICAGO — Bears guard Frank Omiyale opened eyes last weekend after he pushed Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn almost out of Soldier Field to pave the way for Matt Forte’s 32-yard touchdown run.

“Just had better leverage,” Omiyale said.
Seven snaps before Omiyale’s resounding block, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa sprinted right to left, unloaded on running back Brandon Jacobs, then lassoed him to the ground, rodeo-style.
“It wasn’t the prettiest tackle,” Tinoisamoa said. “I’m not going to even say I blew him up because, actually, I fell backward.”
Two big plays. Two big sticks. Dare we call Omiyale and Tinoisamoa free agent hits?
“You can do well in a preseason game, but it’s only preseason,” Tinoisamoa cautioned.
As the Bears prepare for their third exhibition Sunday night in Denver, newcomers Tinoisamoa and Omiyale continue to establish themselves in their new locker room while attempting to distance themselves from the competition at their respective positions.
The strong-side linebacker spot was supposed to be a three-way battle between Tinoisamoa, Jamar Williams and Nick Roach, but Williams (foot) and Roach (concussion) are out with injuries. Most figured Tinoisamoa, who started the first two exhibitions, had the inside track regardless, considering he was a productive veteran in St. Louis and played one season under coach Lovie Smith with the Rams.
“I won’t say it has been an unfair competition. It has been an unfortunate one,” Tinoisamoa said, referring to the injuries to Williams and Roach. “I’m getting a lot of the reps, which is helping me. But then again, it’s less for them. Once they get healthy, we’ll get it all going again.”
Omiyale’s battle with Josh Beekman at left guard was well-documented throughout training camp. Beekman received most of the first-team reps and was listed as the starter on the initial depth chart. But Omiyale, the former Carolina Panther who signed a four-year deal worth as much as $14 million, started the first two exhibitions and appears to have the job locked up despite making the transition from tackle.
“The toughest thing coming in? For me, it was not being a bust,” Omiyale said. “I wanted to prove they brought me in for a reason. You don’t want to leave them saying, ’Why did we get this guy?’
“I don’t look at it as a money decision. I look at is as if I don’t do my job, Beekman is right there to take over.”
The irony in Omiyale’s situation is the person he credits the most for helping him adjust to the new surroundings.
“Beekman is actually the first person I hit it off with,” Omiyale said. “I’ll tell my wife that all the time, that I’m really happy about the relationship Beekman and I have where we’re both going to come in and work hard.”
Tinoisamoa, who signed a one-year deal, seems to fit well along starters Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs but says the adjustment process is ongoing.
“I’m not even sure if I really got accepted yet,” Tinoisamoa said. “I mean, everyone has been cordial and nice to me. ... But week in and week out, you just have to show not only to your teammates but to yourself that you’re good enough to hang around.”