To most people, the preseason is boring. In fact, if you ask the average Bears fan what they thought of last nights preseason game most will say “I don’t watch the preseason.” But not I, and I would bet most people on this platform feel the same as I do. For myself, the preseason has always been a time of excitement. A time to get an extensive look at the depth piece signings, the draft picks and a time to maybe find that hidden gem undrafted free agent, and so far our Bears have delivered just that.
We are starting to see how the offensive line is coming together. We are starting to see some of the offensive line depth pieces find their roles amongst the rash of injuries at center. We are starting to see the emergence of Teven Jenkins at the right guard position. With veteran Riley Reiff sitting out we are starting to see what Larry Borom offers the team at Right Tackle. We have all been pleasantly surprised with rookie 5th round pick Braxton Jones at Left Tackle. Rookie 7th round pick Ja’Tyre Carter, whom Ryan Poles managed to add to the team via his draft day savvy, has impressed at Right Guard too.
We are getting a good look at the new running back room with rookie Trestan Ebner who is impressing. Rookie Velus Jones Jr. flashed some of his speed in his first game action, and has all of us in Chicago feeling good about his bright future. Then there are rookies Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker. While Kyler Gordon only saw the field for the first time last night, there was a lot be excited about. Jaquan Brisker may as well have the word ‘STUD’ printed across his back. Dominique Robinson, another player Ryan Poles was able to draft with the multiple picks he acquired by trading down, has also impressed with his quickness and athleticism. He may be able to fill the roll of a Mark Anderson, the 2006 rookie Defensive End who accumulated 12 sacks in the Lovie Smith era.
The list of UDFA’s has impressed too with home grown talents Jack Sanborn standing out, and Micah Dew-Treadway getting to the QB.
After two preseason games I have been impressed with the entire coaching staff. We are seeing players buying into the H.I.T.S philosophy with Hustle, Intensity, and Takaways. The longer the players are in this system, the more they will continue to grow, and bond together and with less thinking and more doing. I think the playoffs are not as far off as some of may think.
Even though it is only preseason, it is still nice to see the team walking off the field with more points than the other team. This can only help build confidence in one another leading into the games that count. We may be “Undefeated” so far in the preseason but the most important thing is that we are still Undefeated in the regular season too. What better time to enjoy the process?
Written by: Dan Sciortino, Host of Bears Country Podcast