7 takeaways from the Bears’ 23-17 preseason win over Titans

The Chicago Bears had a strong start to the 2023 preseason, defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-17 at Soldier Field on Saturday.

The biggest storyline from the game was the fast start by Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense. Fields completed all three of his passes, two of which resulted in long touchdowns of 62 and 56 yards.

The defense impressed too. Despite allowing an opening-drive touchdown, the Bears’ defense settled down and put pressure on Titans quarterbacks throughout the game.

Here are seven key takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ preseason victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Justin Fields looks the part

Sure, Justin Fields’ two touchdown passes didn’t have to travel far, but unlike preseasons past, there was a sense of confidence and pace in the offense that’s increased an already growing sense of optimism.

Fields’ second touchdown, the 56-yarder to Khalil Herbert, was his best play of the game. He showed growth and development on the rep. Rather than sprint away from of a crumbling pocket, he kept his eyes downfield and found Herbert for a safe completion that turned into a game-busting touchdown.

Plays like that didn’t exist in 2022 because of Fields’ first reaction to run. Part of it was by necessity, he was running for his life an awful lot. But it was also a byproduct of inexperience, both as an NFL quarterback and with Luke Getsy’s system.

Chicago Bears fans want to see growth from Justin Fields this preseason. They saw a lot of it Saturday.

Trevis Gipson wants a roster spot

One of the biggest surprises on the Chicago Bears’ first depth chart was Trevis Gipson buried with the fourth string. Gipson was once viewed as the team’s most promising pass rusher, but a sluggish start to training camp has him on the roster bubble.

After Saturday’s win over the Titans, Gipson should move way up the roster’s pecking order. He was a one-man wrecking crew, totaling three QB pressures and a sack. He flew around the field like a player who knows his future is on the line.

The Bears signed Yannick Ngakoue last week to enhance the defense’s pass rush. Fans clamored for GM Ryan Poles to add an established veteran, especially after a putrid 2022 season that saw Chicago finish last in the league in sacks.

Perhaps Ngakoue’s addition lit a fire in Trevis Gipson. It was burning hot against the Titans.

RB1 is Khalil Herbert’s job to lose

It’s only one preseason game, but running back Khalil Herbert continues to look like a grossly underrated running back who has a chance to break out in 2023.

Herbert totaled 71 yards on five touches. He was on the field with Justin Fields when the Bears’ offense was humming. He’s the RB1, and I don’t think it’s particularly close.

D’Onta Foreman didn’t do much with his three carries (nine yards), which is expected for a player who relies on wearing down a defense over four quarters. Rookie Roschon Johnson ripped off an impressive 24-yard run on his first carry but was relatively ineffective after that. He totaled 20 yards over his final 11 carries.

Herbert will be the early-down back. Johnson flashed enough to challenge Foreman for carries off the bench, but make sure you have stock of Herbert in your fantasy leagues this year.

Tyrique Stevenson is the real deal

If the Chicago Bears defenders weren’t wearing jersey numbers or nameplates, you would’ve thought Tyrique Stevenson was a five-year veteran with a Pro Bowl or two on his resume. He was fantastic in coverage, using his length and instincts to break up passes and limit big gains.

Stevenson has had some ups and downs in training camp this year, which should be the case for a rookie battling DJ Moore on a daily basis. But the 2023 second-round pick proved he’s a gamer who the Bears should have confidence in starting opposite Jaylon Johnson in Week 1.

Kyler Gordon is playing with more intensity

Talk about setting a tone. Kyler Gordon lowered his shoulder and delivered two bone-crushing hits in the game’s first possession. He brought a different level of intensity to the field Saturday. Gordon was solid as a rookie, but growth is expected from him in 2023. If the passion he played with against the Titans is a sign of things to come this year, look out. He could be the Bears’ most-improved defender and a legitimate weapon on that side of the ball.

Poor Velus Jones Jr.

At this point, it’s hard to imagine any scenario that Velus Jones Jr. makes the final roster.

Jones muffed another punt in the preseason opener. It resulted in a turnover.

It’s never easy giving up on a third-round pick after one season, but Jones is too unreliable to put on the field. And if he can’t produce on special teams, there’s no place for him on the team.

DJ Moore is that dude

The Chicago Bears’ 2023 preseason couldn’t have started any better: a 62-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to DJ Moore.

Moore proved in one play why his addition was an off-season priority. He will be for the Bears, and Fields, what Stefon Diggs was for the Bills and AJ Brown was for the Eagles.

Moore is special. And because of him, the Bears’ offense has a chance to be, too, in 2023.