Winners, losers from Bears' preseason win over Chiefs

The Chicago Bears' first preseason game of 2022 is in the books. And more important than the final score is the performance of Bears players who are both critical starters and guys fighting for roster spots.

Here are the Bears' winners and losers from their 19-14 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Winner: QB Justin Fields

Justin Fields showed poise and composure during his first outing in offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's system. His pass protection wasn't perfect, but he flashed his top-shelf arm talent on multiple occasions, including this incredible throw (and catch) to wide receiver Tajae Sharpe:

Fields added a nice 10-yard scamper with his legs. Overall, it was a very good outing for Chicago's franchise quarterback, who finished the game 4-of-7 for 48 yards.

Loser: Bears' pass rush

Chicago's pass rush is a big question mark entering the 2022 season. The trade of Khalil Mack will force veteran Robert Quinn to be the alpha, but someone has to step up opposite him. In Week 1's preseason game against the Chiefs, that wasn't the case. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had more than his fair share of time to dissect a Bears defense that's already down a few starters at linebacker and in the secondary. Mahomes made the Bears pay early in the game with a way-too-easy touchdown drive.

Winner: LT Braxton Jones

Braxton Jones wasn't perfect in his first NFL start, but man, he looks the part. He didn't appear overwhelmed at any point in his reps. His size and athleticism were apparent, and any concerns about him being strong enough to hang with NFL defenders were at least quieted Saturday. Jones is going to have his good and bad moments in 2022, but if his outing against the Chiefs is any indication of his future outlook, Chicago may have their long-term left tackle.

Loser: OL Michael Schofield

It may be unfair to call Michael Schofield an absolute loser in Week 1's preseason game against the Chiefs, but he didn't make a great first impression as the Bears' starting right guard. He gave up a sack and looked physically and athletically overmatched on the rep. Schofield didn't have any glaring mistakes after the sack, but all it takes is one awful play like that to lead to an injured quarterback and a ruined season.

Winner: SAF Jaquan Brisker

Possibly the biggest winner from Chicago's preseason game against the Chiefs was rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, who took over an entire defensive possession in the second quarter. He played with violent aggression while showing off his instincts and above-average twitch. Brisker looked every bit the part of a defensive cornerstone in his first outing as a Bear.

Loser: LB Matt Adams

Matt Adams failed miserably in coverage against tight ends and magnified the void created by Roquan Smith's holdout. Adams is a competent reserve, but if he's starting in place of Smith in Week 1, the Chicago Bears are in serious trouble.

Winner: LB Nicholas Morrow

Nicholas Morrow was one of the more impressive Bears starters in Week 1's preseason game against the Chiefs. His first-step quickness and instincts were evident early in the game. He's going to be an asset against the run and will provide Chicago with one of the rangier inside linebackers in the league. His ceiling is extremely high in Matt Eberflus' defense.

Winner: LB Jack Sanborn

Bubble players need to make plays to earn a final roster spot, and that's what Jack Sanborn did with an interception, fumble recovery, special teams plays, and quality reps on defense. An undrafted free agent from Wisconsin, Sanborn looked the part of a physical depth player with starter's upside. If he carries this positive momentum into the next preseason game, he'll be hard to cut in September.