3 Takeaways From Bears-Bengals Preseason Week 2

2. Aggressive Defense

One of the takeaways from the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans was that the defense wasn't playing aggressive enough. However, since it was only the first preseason game, and it was against a team the Bears play during the regular season, there was no reason to be concerned yet. That turned out to be true because the Bears' defense has looked much better over their last two preseason games.

Last week against the Bills, the Bears' defense combined for eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, and one interception returned for a touchdown. The defense gathered these stats while playing with intensity against the Bills.

This week, the Bears ramped their defense up another level and sent multiple blitzes at the Bengals. Many of the blitzes the Bears sent at the Bengals caused havoc for the quarterback, which resulted in sacks and turnovers. The Bears' defense ended the day with five sacks, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery.

However, the highlight of the day, for many was watching nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. Although, Gordon is a starter he wasn't seen against the Bills because of injury.

In Gordon's first preseason rep, he displayed his speed coming off the edge on blitzes and closing speed on tackles.

If Gordon and the Bears' defense is being this aggressive into the season, then the defense could pick up where it left off at the end of last season.

3. Booming Punts

Many people thought it was strange for the Bears to draft Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round this year, given the team's many other needs. However, Taylor has demonstrated why the Bears made that choice during his first two preseason games.

Last week against the Bills, Taylor punted twice -- one was downed inside the 20-yard line, and the other was caught at the 6-yard line and returned past the 20. His first two punts averaged 48 yards, even in the heavy wind in Buffalo.

With less wind at home against the Bengals this week, Taylor punted three times and averaged 50 yards per punt. His longest punt was a 57-yarder from the Bears' end zone.

While Taylor's leg strength may have surprised some Bears fans, anyone who watched him punt at Iowa isn't surprised. Although, it's only five punts in exhibition games, the thought of Taylor pinning teams back when games actually count is exciting.

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