3 Takeaways From the Hall of Fame Game

The NFL preseason officially kicked off last night with the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans. Although the game didn’t feature any starters, it was still entertaining to watch. However, the game did end up going into a lightning delay late in the third quarter and ultimately got canceled.

Thankfully, the Bears held a 21-17 lead going into the delay, which meant they were awarded the victory when the game was ultimately canceled. Although preseason victories don't carry much weight, a win still feels good.

The more crucial aspect of the preseason is assessing player performance and the team’s overall progress. With that in mind, here are three takeaways from the Hall of Fame game.

1. Collin Johnson Makes an Early Case for a Roster Spot

The most impressive player during the Hall of Fame game for the Bears was 26-year-old Collin Johnson. Johnson is a 6'6 journeyman receiver who has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants. Last season, Johnson spent most of the season on the Bears' practice squad but did appear in three games, accumulating one catch for 11 yards.

Last night, Johnson showcased his ability to use his big frame to high-point the ball.

While Johnson did make that spectacular catch he did have two drops. One of his drops hit him square on the chest, which isn't a good look. Even with those drops, Johnson finished the game with three catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns. He also made a tackle on special teams. Although that tackle on special teams may seem insignificant, making those types of plays earns players the final couple of roster spots.

Johnson is definitely a player to continue to keep an eye on during the preseason.