The Bears lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday after sitting a ton of first-string players. Still, there were a few Bears who really took advantage of their opportunity to play.
With that let’s get to the grades of the Bears’ 24-17 loss to the Colts in the team’s second preseason game.
QB: A
I don’t care that P.J. Walker completed one pass. The Bears have a young quarterback worth developing in a backup role. This might be the best development of the the preseason so far. Tyson Bagent looked poised. Tyson Bagent looked capable. Tyson Bagent was accurate and used his feet. I want to see more of Tyson Bagent. PS – I still wish that Justin Fields had played.
RB: A-
Way to take advantage of an opportunity Roschon Johnson. Seven carries for 32 yards does not tell close to the entire story for a rookie who runs HARD. I also liked what I saw from rookie Robert Burns despite his fumble. Burns looks like an interesting practice squad candidate.
O-Line: C
This unit had a lot of missing parts but Bears quarterbacks were sacked four times. Doug Kramer held up well stepping in at center. I do not like that Matt Eberflus gave both Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright the night off. These are not 10-year vets and could’ve used the reps.
WR/ TE: B
Here’s another group that got the night off, but hats off to Daurice Fountain for leading the way with five catches including a touchdown catch on a beautifully thrown ball from Nathan Peterman. Fountain is going to have a tough time making the roster, but he certainly helped his cause.
D-Line/ LB: C+
Zacch Pickens flashed which was great to see. Pickens had one of the Bears 2 TFL’s and was in the backfield a bunch. Elsewhere, Gervon Dexter Sr. had trouble getting off blocks. Trevis Gipson did not build on his week one performance. Jack Sanborn was flying around but missed at least one good opportunity. Veteran Mykal Walker led the team with seven tackles. Walker is worth watching in week 3. He has the potential to make someone a surprise cut. Terrell Lewis should make the team as he once again notched a sack, the Bears only sack of the night.
Secondary: D
Tyrique Stevenson has to be better. Throwing players out of bounds is not going to fly and Stevenson picked up an unnecessary penalty. No Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker or Kyler Gordon.
Special Teams: A
Clean execution all around and Cairo Santos boomed one from 50 and made both his extra points. Trenton Gill averaged 45.5 impressive yards on his four punts.
Coaching: C
I get that Matt Eberflus wants to keep his players healthy but his players need to play. Holding out Darnell Wright is the most egregious. Wright has played all of seven snaps in the first preseason game and is in charge of protecting Justin Fields. And again, I would have liked to see QB1 play as well.
