How are you feeling, Chicago Bears fans?
As good as it was to see our beloved Monsters of the Midway gracing Soldier Field to take on the Tennessee Titans, I had to keep reminding myself that this is the preseason. Getting too high or too low as a result of preseason football is a mistake.
Here are some of my takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
1 + 2 = 6
I don’t know about you, Bears Nation, but when D.J. Moore took that bubble screen 62 yards to the house, I had goosebumps. Justin Fields finally has his guy. 1 + 2 does, in fact, equal 6.
People can nitpick all they want about the pass itself being slightly behind D.J. Moore, but that’s sour grapes at the end of the day. Touchdowns count for six points regardless of how perfect the execution was.
The most important thing to take from this single play is that the Chicago Bears offense is not to be taken lightly this season. When healthy, this team should be able to score on anyone.
Welcome to Chicago, D.J. Moore.
Khalil Herbert Gets on the Board, but it’s all about the offensive line
While Herbert only carried the ball four times for 15 yards, it was his 52-yard touchdown catch on the Chicago Bears’ second offensive possession that lit up social media.
Herbert, Moore, and Fields are going to get much of the publicity from the first-team offense’s explosive showing, but in truth, most of the credit should go to the offensive line.
On both plays, the offensive line successfully sold down-the-field action, got out in space, avoided a flag for being downfield too early, and created enormous holes for Moore and Herbert.
This was especially impressive in the case of second-year guard Ja’Tyre Carter, who was thrust into the starting lineup during camp as a result of Nate Davis’ continued injury woes. It would feel better to have more depth at the position, but it is always a great sign for the culture when young unproven linemen can come in and make an impact.
The offensive line has work to do and they need to get healthy, but this was a good start.
Trevis Gipson played like the Tennessee Titans stole his lunch money
Much was made about Trevis Gipson’s place on the unofficial depth chart that the Chicago Bears released earlier this week. Seemingly buried beneath anyone that Ryan Poles has signed or drafted, many felt that Gipson’s time in Chicago was numbered.
I’m not sure if it’s safe to feel that way anymore after the performance he turned in against the Titans on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1690443520933240832
Although his stat line of three tackles, two assisted tackles, and one sack won’t jump off the box score, it was his true impact when watching the game that stood out. On multiple occasions, his nonstop effort resulted in pressures, QB hits, and stopped run plays. He played like a man possessed.
While the deck is certainly stacked against him when it comes to making the final roster, Gipson’s performance against the Titans was certainly a great place to start.
P.J. Walker doesn’t look like a great answer as the backup quarterback
I’ll stress once more that this is just preseason, but P.J. Walker’s struggles concern me.
I left Family Fest unimpressed by Walker as he was the only QB to turn the ball over in team drills. I would never expect him to replicate Justin Fields’ ability, but the sharp downgrade in execution was hard to ignore.
He continued his unimpressive ways in Week 1 of the Preseason by tossing a bad interception in the first half, the only interception thrown by a Bears QB all day despite Nathan Peterman seeing action under center.
Here’s to hoping (actually, praying) that Justin Fields is kept clean this season.
The rookie class continues to flash
Although there were no highlight-reel plays by the 2023 rookie class, Ryan Poles’ new toys were on display multiple times throughout the afternoon.
Tyrique Stevenson was the one who stood out the most. He led the team with seven solo tackles and should’ve had an interception on tight coverage early on in the game. He’s going to be a vital player this season.
Third-rounder Zacch Pickens had a sack, Roschon Johnson ripped off the Bears’ longest run of the afternoon in the third quarter, Travis Bell picked up a sack in the fourth quarter and Darnell Wright seemed to hold his own during his time.
The only sore spot in an otherwise bright afternoon for the rookies came when Tyler Scott lost a fumble after catching a slant pass from P.J. Walker. Scott has had trouble with drops in camp so far as well. Hopefully, the rookie can learn from these missteps and become better for them.