The preseason is never a determining factor for a football team but it can still be a proving ground for players. Particularly ones who may not be guaranteed a roster spot. That’s why the Chicago Bears preseason evaluations are so important. Head coach John Fox and his staff know the importance of 2017. If they have another rough season, odds are they could be fired. That makes getting the 53-man roster right all the more paramount.
So that begs the questions. Who among the fringe players did enough to cement their place on the roster? Final cuts will occur on September 2nd. This means they performed well enough to be assured that their names won’t be called when that time comes. Here are five MVPs who stepped up to the challenge.
Chicago Bears preseason MVPs:
#1: Kendall Wright (WR)
A former first round pick of Tennessee, the Bears were hoping Kendall Wright could recapture some of the magic he had with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains when they were together four years ago. So far in preseason it looks like their calculated risk is paying off. Wright has made a number of impact plays already.
He scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals and then converted three-straight third downs against his former team in Nashville. With Cameron Meredith going down to injury for the year, that merely made Wright’s place on the roster even more secure. He’s certain to see plenty of action now and appears ready for it.
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#2: Bradley Sowell (OT)
The lack of stats always makes it difficult for offensive linemen to stand out. In the case of Bradley Sowell it’s often the other way around. The less somebody’s name is mentioned, the better he must be playing. Aside from his brief stint as an emergency long snapper, Sowell has scarcely been mentioned at all across three games.
That’s because he’s blocked extremely well. Playing both left and right tackle, the veteran from Seattle has showcased an impressive ability in pass protection. It showed up on several occasions against Denver and Tennessee on some of Mitch Trubisky’s best throws. That includes the beautiful 45-yard TD on Sunday. Just watch #79 at right tackle.
#3: Roy Robertson-Harris (DE)
This might be the biggest story of the preseason. Most people had forgotten Robertson-Harris by the start of this year. All they remembers was he’d been an undrafted free agent with lots of potential as an outside linebacker from UTEP. His failure to play last year due to illness problems made it seem like his chance had come and gone.
Instead the Bears plopped him on the NFI list and stashed him away. All the while they set about switching him from linebacker to defensive end. He went from 270 lbs to 290. The idea being he had the sort of length, athleticism and power that could make a top lineman in their system. Two sacks and a blocked punt later, it’s hard to argue with their reasoning.
#4: Christian Jones (ILB)
Things are shaping up to be good for the Bears at inside linebacker. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman are the starters while Nick Kwiatkoski looks like an excellent primary backup. What many haven’t counted on is the sudden escalation of productive play by veteran Christian Jones. It seems he may have found his niche at last.
He’s been a steady performer throughout the preseason. Not only does he have seven tackles and a pass defense, he also continues to flash on special teams. The Bears came close to parting ways with him last year but decided to give him another chance. Seems that was a good decision as he’ll provide great depth and third phase assistance.
#5: Kyle Fuller (CB)
It’s been quite the roller coast ride for the former first round pick. He went from prized heir to Charles Tillman to benched in the space of a year. Then he began to play up to his status in late 2015, only to see a knee injury knock him out last year. Coming into this season many weren’t sure whether he’d even make the final roster at all.
Fuller set about trying to change minds in preseason. He is showing more of an edge and consistency that he didn’t have for much of his prior performances. His tackling remains solid and he’s shown an ability to hold his own in coverage as well. Combined with an ankle injury to Prince Amukamara, his final chance to fulfill expectations is still alive.
