Chicago Bears Postgame: 3 observations from Bears 21-17 win in the rain over the Texans

No Caleb Williams. No first stringers. The game was delayed in the third quarter and then called due to rain. But football we have. Brett Rypien had a night to remember. Collin Johnson distinguished himself as well. Khalil Herbert showed some burst in what seems like a competitive battle to back up D’Andre Swift with Roschon Johnson. Defensively, the Bears did not impact the game too much. Football is back.

[MORE: Bears-Texans prove new kickoff will be a work in progress]

Here are my three takeaways from the Chicago Bears‘ abbreviated 21-17 win over the Houston Texans in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game:

1. Roschon Johnson vs Khalil Herbert

Roschon Johnson got the start, but Khalil Herbert got his opportunity to compete as well as the two running backs alternated series. Herbert had a better night running the football, 4 carries for 35 yards — a robust 8.8 yards per carry.

Johnson got the ball six times for 24 yards. He came up short on a 3rd and 1 getting stymied for no gain at the Texans 37. The Bears were back in the shotgun going for it on 4th and 1, but tight end Tommy Sweeney was called for a false start penalty. Would Johnson have gotten a chance to redeem himself or would Shane Waldron have put the ball in the hands of Tyson Bagent? We will never know.

The running back battle is one worth watching the rest of the preseason.

2. Brett Rypien had a night to remember

Matt Eberflus decided that one series and three throws were enough for Bagent apparently not wanting to put QB2 in harms way. Bagent was 2-f0r-3 in a non-descript performance.

That opened the door for Rypien who ran right through it taking advantage, 11-f0r-15 166 yards, 3 TD passses.

Rypien was impressive throwing back shoulder jump ball throws to Collin Johnson. He found Johnson for a 20-yard TD pass to get the Bears on the board. Tommy Sweeney was wide open down the middle for a 22-yard TD strike right before halftime.

Rypien then opened the second half leading the Bears on a eight-play 68-yard drive capped off by a 9-yard TD pass to Johnson.

The battle for the Bears’ backup QB spot is on if you listen to social media.

3. The new kickoff rule was hard to distinguish from the old kickoff rule.

There has been a lot of talk about how the new kickoff rule will be a game changer. Do not go to the bathroom or grab a beer when the kickoff is happening or you may miss the most exciting part of the game.

One meaningless preseason game in, the new kickoff looked just like the old kickoff. Maybe it was because neither the Texans or the Bears wanted to show off how they will try and take advantage of the new rule since the two teams play each other week 2.

Maybe it was because the Bears premier kick returner Velus Jones Jr. was given the night off along with other first stringers like Jack Sanborn who might create some holes.

Whatever the reason, with Devin Hester set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the weekend, we did not see any Hester light level plays.

Here is to hoping that will not be the case come the regular season.

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