A non-anticipated training camp battle may be breaking out in the depth of the Chicago Bears roster
Entering 2019 the Chicago Bears hardly had any camp battles to speak of. Such is life when you are a competing roster, not a roster looking for players to compete. Still, it has made for a preseason of following kicker updates.
However, as the first preseason game went on, the rotation and play at linebacker should be noted. While many would expect Nick Kwiatowski and Joel Iyiegbuniwe to be in line behind Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, the competition around them may be worth following this summer.
While Kwiatkowski started next to Roquan Smith, KevinPierre-Louis was the next linebacker in to replace Smith. Not only that, Pierre-Louis outplayed Kwiatkowski when they shared the field together.
Kwiatkowski struggled in coverage, which has always been his weakness. Pierre-Louis looked faster overall. Pierre-Louis has stayed in the NFL due to special teams value and Matt Nagy was with Pierre-Louis in Kansas City and seems to trust his presence. Considering he outplayed Kwiatkowski and was ahead of Iggy, he looks like a player who can make a roster.
We have been following him since his signing and like his chances.
Aside from that Josh Woods forced a fumble and made a few plays on special teams and defense. It is worth noting that Woods also missed a few tackles, and looks like a work in progress. However, his speed and ability to find the ball are apparent.
Woods would have to provide a little more splash, and his value would come on special teams to make real noise. However, he is a prime practice squad player who will certainly push Iggy and Kwiatkowski.
Look for Pierre-Louis and Woods to continue to heat up a competition for back end linebacker spots.