3 Bears to Watch in Preseason Game vs. Bengals
By Zoe Grossman
2. Teven Jenkins
The daunting task of protecting Caleb Williams this season will mean the Bears' offensive line will be under brighter lights than ever.
Jenkins, who is entering his fourth season with the Bears, earned the third-highest PFF grade (90.3) on the team after his performance against the Bills. He looked light on his feet, executing blocks to perfection and giving Williams plenty of time in the pocket.
Jenkins can benefit from another Bengals weakness on Saturday: their pass rush, which allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game and the most pass yards per play last season.
The 26-year-old out of Oklahoma State hasn't played in more than 13 games in a season since his debut, but remaining healthy and consistent will ensure he's a mainstay.
3. Austin Booker
The Bears' defense allowed no touchdowns against the Bills, in part owing to the effort of rookie Booker.
The 2024 fifth-rounder was a total problem for Buffalo, completing four tackles and 2.5 sacks from the edge. The Bills' offensive line was no match for Booker's raw speed and IQ as he blew past them at any chance he had to get to Buffalo's backup quarterback and former Bear Mitchell Trubisky.
Though it's still very much early days, Booker is looking like a steal of the draft if he can continue to demonstrate the kind of power he has thus far.
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