5 Takeaways from Chicago Bears Pre-Season Week 3

The Chicago Bears had some players look great on Saturday vs. Buffalo.

4. Tyler Scott’s biggest impact this season may be on Special Teams

Cincinnati alum and Chicago Bears rookie WR Tyler Scott didn’t have an impact on the offense on Saturday afternoon but he didn’t let that stop him from making an impact on Special Teams. He may not have had the opportunity were it not for Velus Jones.

The struggles of Velus Jones Jr. have been well-documented. A third-round pick last year, Jones struggled to make an impact on a pedestrian receiving core, muffed multiple punts at crucial moments, and was generally a disappointment despite his success returning kicks.

That’s why we can’t discount what happened against the Bills on Saturday. Tyler Scott returned kicks and punts all day, including a couple of tough fair catches on punts. He had zero fumbles.

However, it was his kick return late in the second quarter that had Chicago Bears fans buzzing about the newest speed demon at Soldier Field.

It’s not a stretch to suggest that Tyler Scott has been everything that the Chicago Bears hoped Velus Jones Jr. would be so far this summer.

Scott needs more polish as a receiver but there were multiple reports of him beating defenders deep in training camp. He seems to have a much higher ceiling on offense than Jones.

If the Bears see Scott as a better returner as well, it will be fair to wonder whether the Bears can afford to keep Jones on their roster despite his status as a third-round pick in year two.

5. In a crowded defensive backroom, Michael Ojemudia continues to make plays

The Chicago Bears have an assortment of solid veterans and young promising players in their defensive backroom so every play in the preseason matters when it comes to who will make the 53-man roster.

That’s why I couldn’t help but be impressed by the play of CB Michael Ojemudia.

It’s true that he’ll likely have trouble seeing the field on defense. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson have locked up starting positions, while rookie Terell Smith has also impressed. Greg Stroman Jr. has also been solid while last year’s starter Kindle Vildor is still on the roster.

Still, Ojemudia continues to seem unfazed by his long odds. He got his hands on three passes on Saturday afternoon, showing good agility and coordination to break on the ball on multiple occasions.

Three passes defended in one game is very impressive, especially when he’s sharing reps with the other defensive backs on the roster.

In his fourth year as a pro, Ojemudia comes equipped with regular-season experience as he started 11 games as a rookie for the Denver Broncos in 2020.

Injuries happen all the time in the National Football League. No matter how talented the room is, it’s important to have guys on the bench who can fill in and make plays.

Veteran Michael Ojemudia may have played well enough today to convince Head Coach Matt Eberflus that he fits that role perfectly.