3 Takeaways From Bears-Bills Preseason Week 1

Here are three takeaways from the Chicago Bears' second preseason game.

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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3. Pass Rush Depth Shows Out

Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat was sidelined with an injury Saturday, which gave other edge rushers a chance to play with the starters and stand out.

Third-year defensive end Dominique Robinson took advantage of this opportunity with a nice run stop on third and two early in the first quarter. While seeing Robinson flash is good, that is the only play he made, and the Bears need more of a pass-rush threat to pair with Sweat.

Fortunately, a few backup pass rushers continued to show flashes. Although these backups weren't facing the starters, it's important to note who stood out. Rookie Austin Booker and third-year player Daniel Hardy gathered 2.5 sacks, while Khalid Kareem gathered one.

This is now the second game in a row that Booker's ability to get to the quarterback has flashed. Even if he is only facing backups the fact that a young player is showing so much upside already bodes well going into the season. The veterans Kareem and Hardy will need to use the other two preseason games to continue their momentum because there's only enough roster space for one of them.

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