The Bears ran into the Colts in 2008 and also in the Super Bowl after the 2006 season, but none of their past encounters apply to Sunday's opener -- and only part of that is due to Peyton Manning's departure.
"They've made a complete change," center Roberto Garza said. "They were always a cover-2 (defense), now a 3-4."
Bears offensive tackles Gabe Carimi and J'Marcus Webb won't be lining up directly on Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis now. The two defensive ends have moved out to linebacker in the 3-4, which may or may not make them tougher to block in pass rushing instances.
"We have to know where they're at," Garza said. "It's still early in the week. We've got a lot of film to watch and we'll go from there."
It's good prep for the offense since three of the first four teams the Bears face use the 3-4.
Chicago guys: Bears practice squad QB Matt Blanchard played high school ball in Lake Zurich, Ill. with Colts 2011 first-round draft pick Anthony Castonzo.
"It's wild," said Blanchard, whose first two assignments with the scout team are imitating Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. "He and I played baseball together as a kid. We grew up in the same town, went to the same school together.
"It'll be great seeing him play and it'll be a nice little reunion," Blanchard said, modestly adding that he was the better baseball player growing up.
Costly cut: Cutting defensive tackle Brian Price will prove a bit more costly than the normal waiver procedure, provided no one claims him. Price had a $510,000 guarantee in his contract that will count against the Bears salary cap unless he is claimed on waivers.
Roll call: Defensive tackle Stephen Paea (ankle) and safety Chris Conte (shoulder) practiced. ... The only players not practicing were running back Lorenzo Booker (head) and punter Adam Podlesh (hip-flexor). It was the best-attended practice since prior to the start of preseason games.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.