The preseason is drawing to a close for the Chicago Bears, but before they finalize their regular-season rosters, they have a date with the Cleveland Browns.
The Bears take on the Browns in their preseason finals this Saturday night, which begins at 6:00 p.m. CT. With one final preseason game, starters have a chance to get warmed up, bubble players have one last chance to earn a roster spot, and the team can aim for an unbeaten record before the actual games begin.
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With the starters likely playing well into the second quarter, according to head coach Matt Eberflus, it appears every sane player will take the field at some point Saturday night. This gives fans plenty to see throughout the game. Here are 10 players we’ll be keeping an eye on as the Bears take the field one last time before the start of the regular season.
In two preseason games, quarterback Justin Fields has attempted just 14 passes while playing limited snaps. That should change with the starters’ increased playing time, allowing him to get into a rhythm with his receivers and offensive line. Also, it would be nice to see him cast out some demons in Cleveland after what happened on his debut last year.
One offensive starter who hasn’t seen time this preseason is running back David Montgomery. The team’s RB1 is struggling with an undisclosed injury but all signs point to him in this final game. He should see a handful of carries, but what will be most interesting is how active he is in the passing game. Running back Khalil Herbert struggled with both catches and lightning pickups serving as starters in his absence. Having someone like Montgomery back will improve both areas on offense.
Many of the Bears’ wide receivers are down this week and are not expected to be useful for the upcoming season. One receiver who has remained healthy is Equanimeous St. Brown, although he has yet to catch a pass this preseason. However, St. Brown was active on offense in blocking and end-around runs. Seeing him build chemistry with Fields in a playing environment would be ideal before the regular season, but it has to happen now.
Tackle/guard Teven Jenkins was a player to watch all preseason due to his shaky status on the line, but now comes his final test to see if he’s capable of his first week as right guard start. Jenkins impressed on his debut against the Seattle Seahawks last week but now faces a more impressive defense in Cleveland. It will also be important whether he is in the starting XI or not and if so, how long he plays.
Like Jenkins, Jones has had his eye on him since the start of training camp and he has performed well as a left starter. However, he doesn’t count his chickens before they hatch and is still focused on the game ahead. Jones knows he could very well be up against star pass rushers Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney and needs to keep Fields upright. It’s the perfect final test for him before taking on the San Francisco 49ers’ pass rush.
Much of the discussion about offense this preseason revolved around the likes of Jenkins, Jones, Larry Borom, Michael Schofield, etc. But let’s not forget one of the freshmen who looked good in the later part of the games and that’s Zachary Thomas. The San Diego State guard has helped open up trajectories and sustain reserve quarterbacks in previous preseason games. Let’s see if he can keep the trend in Cleveland.
One of the Bears’ most under-the-radar defenders was defensive end Sam Kamara. The sophomore made a huge impression this preseason, showing himself against the Seahawks last week. Kamara had two tackles, including one for the loss, and a sack while playing with the reserves. He’s right in the squad bubble and another impactful play could be the boost he needs to make the team.
After a long and public delay regarding his contract situation, star linebacker Roquan Smith returned to practice last weekend and is expected to make his preseason debut against the Browns. Smith has received rave reviews since his return to the practice field and the hope is that carries over into this weekend’s game. Smith may need to shake off some rust, but it’s good to get him back out before the regular season starts.
Rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon had a mixed performance when he made his debut against the Seahawks last week. While he showed great range and speed in both cover and backcourt, there were some issues that allowed for big wins. Now that he’s gotten a taste of the NFL, let’s see how he improves his game against the Browns to build confidence in the first week.