The 2022 Chicago Bears opened their preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. Former Chicago head coach Matt Nagy lost yet another game at Soldier Field, as the Matt Eberflus-led Bears beat the Chiefs, 19-14.
Of course, when it was starters vs. starters, Chicago was over-matched, but a solid performance in the second half showed the Bears, while lacking star power, may have a deeper roster than anticipated.
I shared some thoughts and observations on the game below. The Bears travel to Seattle on Wednesday to take on the Seahawks at Lumen Field on Thursday night; it figures to include Justin Fields’ most extensive action of the preseason.
Thoughts and Observations
1. First, let me start by saying that Soldier Field looked like it didn’t even belong on the list of 30 NFL stadiums. Even the president of the NFLPA weighed in:
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The NFL said that this field met minimum testing standards. We clearly need to re-evaluate what is an acceptable surface for players to compete on. We need new testing metrics looking at the performance and safety of every field. The NFL can and should do better. pic.twitter.com/Vh1NDgLQBk
— JC Tretter (@JCTretter) August 13, 2022
It doesn’t get more embarrassing than that for the Bears and for the Chicago Park District. Aren’t they trying to keep them in the city? Is this the way to do that?
2. While the starting offense was missing several starters, it struggled to move the ball against KC. They didn’t score any points, and Fields did get hit more than he should. But there were some positives:
- Braxton Jones held his own against legitimate competition.
- Darnell Mooney continued to show how outstanding he is.
- Fields connected with Tajae Sharpe on an unbelievable pitch and catch to convert a first down deep in Chicago’s own territory.
Yet, there were also some negatives:
- Khalil Herbert probably moved down to RB3 after yesterday. He was outplayed by Trestan Ebner.
- RG Michael Schofield was manhandled by KC’s DL. Schofield was tossed aside by Chris Jones on the Bears’ first third down, resulting in a sack. That’s gotta improve.
Overall, it was an okay, yet uninspiring performance.
3. I’ve seen what I need to from Jaquan Brisker. Put him in bubble wrap until the season opener against San Francisco — the dude is legit.
4. I mentioned Ebner above, but didn’t do him justice. He was outstanding. He showed off his vision, cutting ability and speed. He caught a touchdown pass, and he had a good blitz pickup. Keep an eye on this kid possibly taking the RB2 job.
Oh, and he showed off solid kick-returning abilities, too.
5. Trenton Gill — wow! Of course, he was featured a lot because of all the punting. But it was a masterclass yesterday. The Bears did well to ensure they got him by spending a draft pick on him. He seems like he’ll be a very good field position weapon.
6. Jack Sanborn was all over the field. I’m not saying he should start at Sam linebacker… but maybe he should start at Sam linebacker. He may not have elite athleticism, but his instincts were great.
Also having an impressive game? Newly signed USFL standout LB DeMarquis Gates.
7. The WR position is going to be an interesting battle. Lots of drops today between guys competing for the bottom of the depth chart. With likely four of the roster spots taken by Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, Byron Pringle, and Velus Jones Jr., the final (probably 2?) spots are question marks.
8. The H.I.T.S. principle was on full display in the second half. The Bears’ backups looked faster and more energetic than KC’s. It showed up during Trevon Coley and Micah Dew-Treadway’s sacks. As long as Eberflus keeps the team bought in to his principles, it could buoy them in some surprise matchups this season.
9. No issues in the new field goal / XP operation, which is clutch. Removing Pat O’Donnell was an underrated gotcha for a team that is likely to rely heavily on field goals yet again. At least for this first game, the operation was smooth.
10. Trevor Siemian looks like the perfect backup QB for this team.
Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Braxton Jones was OK at LT; just as Larry Borom was OK at RT in the Bears preseason opener.
Jones (#168) and Borom (#151) were 5th round selections in 2022 and 2021 (by Ryan Poles and Ryan Pace, respectively).
But let’s allow them to play a few games before fitting one for a HOF gold jacket; and dismissing the other.
“Jack Sanborn was all over the field. I’m not saying he should start at Sam linebacker… but maybe he should start at Sam linebacker.” This is very well said. He showed very well in everything he was asked to do. He made the team with his performance. Gates likely as well. Who’s next?
You can’t fall off the floor …
I'm hoping with the awful play at RG that it is what gives Jenkins an opportunity there. I think Guard is going to be his best position especially early in his career. He has the strength, athleticism, and nastiness to thrive as a pro Guard. Granted that is is he stays healthy.
I thought by saying removing O'Donnell might hurt the kicking/XP game was a mistake since he's a punter, but then realized he was the holder on kicks as well for several years. That's a good point. With that being said I hope O'Donnell flames out like he's punting cinder blocks up in Lambeau. Maybe fumble a few snaps too if they have him holding in kicks as well.