Several young Chicago Bears players trending up after preseason opener

Opening the 2022 NFL preseason with a victory has to be a great feeling for the Chicago Bears. Regardless of the fact that it’s preseason, these new-look Bears got out with the win and proved a lot along the way.

This roster is full of new faces, including several young players. Whether it be via free agency or this year’s draft class, general manager Ryan Poles added plenty of youth.

The story of this game was just that — a youth movement, and that movement is trending upward.

As the Bears came away with a 19-14 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, much can be said about the young core of this team.

The Chicago Bears’ youth was on full display in their preseason opener, and many of these younger players shined bright.

Justin Fields had a lot of positives in his preseason debut. His highlight came when he hit Darnell Mooney downfield, who made a phenomenal grab going up over the defender. Fields also used his legs a couple of times, showing fans that this offense is going to allow him to be far more comfortable in his second year.

Braxton Jones had some strong reps against Frank Clark, holding his own. He also blocked the outside zone rushing attack well. There were a couple of rough snaps for Jones, but overall, he certainly looks the part as the future at left tackle.

Khalil Herbert could have passed as David Montgomery. He ran the outside zone very well.

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Trestan Ebner ran hard and looks to be the clear-cut number three running back, but could also assume third down duties. He looked shifty as he did in college, but the most impressive part was the way he ran with purpose. His legs don’t stop moving, and he clearly belongs.

Equanimeous St. Brown is clearly one of the Bears’ starting wide receivers, especially given that he came out of the game with the starters when they sat. He had a great effort on an end-around play, gaining eight yards, and proving that Luke Getsy’s offense is going to utilize players in a variety of ways.

Jack Sanborn’s energy was intense all game. He started on the first team special teams. Sanborn was the unanimous player of the game for the majority of viewers, ending with seven tackles, one interception, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery.

Jaquan Brisker was close to the play on nearly every down. He was up at the line of scrimmage often, looking to assist in run support. There was one point where he looked to take out backup quarterback Chad Henne, but the quarterback slid just before Brisker could lay the wood.

Brisker also nearly came up with a pick, after back-to-back plays in on the football as well. What’s apparent about Brisker and his skill set is that this coaching staff is going to allow him to be himself in this defense, and do what he does best — attack.

Trevis Gipson had a nice hit on Patrick Mahomes, although it was for a long gain to Travis Kelce. The aggression was there for Gipson during his snaps. He looks as good as ever playing defensive end, rather than playing upright as an outside linebacker.

Khyiris Tonga was in on a handful of run stops, and it’s clear the Bears want to utilize him in their rotation. He is going to be a weapon in stopping the run. Tonga looked excellent.

Lastly, rookie edge rusher Dominique Robinson looks like a gem. His motor is immensely high and he was in on the quarterback a few times, one rush ending with a sack. Robinson is relentless in pursuit, and seems to be a real Eberflus type.