There is not much that came from the Chicago Bears loss to the Buffalo Bills that leaves fans feeling good, other than that this game was preseason. Still, to lose like that means your depth has serious issues. In an effort to focus on the positive, we did find five players who are sitting in a better spot on the roster than they were a few days ago.
5. Germain Ifedi and Jason Peters
Yes, two guys who wore sweats and stood on the sidelines were some of the biggest winners. The reality is that the Chicago Bears do not just need these two, they are desperate for these two because without them they have serious issues on the line.
Elijah Wilkinson was a veteran from Denver who was supposed to be a potential placeholder at either left or right tackle. The Bears swiftly signed Jason Peters when they realized Teven Jenkins was not going to send Wilkinson to the bench.
All talk of Wilkinson competing to start at right tackle was thrown out the window after back-to-back poor performances, albeit both on the left side.
Lachavious Simmons has been getting the valuable reps at RT, and while he has grown, his starting point was rather low, and it is fair to say he will not be starting soon. The Bears need to bubble wrap Ifedi and Peters two and get them to the preseason healthy.
4. Trevis Gipson
Considering the investment in Gipson and the questionable long-term future of Robert Quinn the progression of Trevis Gipson has been watched under a microscope. It is fair to say that with a few weeks to go until the start of the regular season that Trevis Gipson has taken a pretty significant step between his first and second seasons.
Gipson led the defense in pass-rush snaps for the second straight week. He delivered two pressures per PFF, as well as a sack, two-run stops, and a forced fumble. He was in the backfield all game and had his hands on the ball.
It is fair to wonder what type of role he will get as he spells Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn in year two. It could be bigger than many fans are expecting.
3. Artie Burns
The Chicago Bears have a spot wide open at cornerback and they could be seeing Burns take advantage. Burns missed last week with an injury and tore his ACL last season so what he would bring to the table was questionable.
He started on special teams and was one of the first cornerbacks off the bench behind Jaylon Johnson. He led all corners in coverage snaps and did not allow a single reception all game.
His special teams were not great, but the fact that he was getting that work shows the Bears want to find a role for him on the roster. He did not lock anything down yet but put himself in a position to make next week a big week.
2. Rodney Adams
There is a case to be made that Rodney Adams is locking himself onto the roster. Javon Wims barely played and Riley Ridley once again did not capture any magic on his limited snaps. However, week after week, whether it be in camp or when the Bears need a score in the preseason Rodney Adams has delivered.
To be honest, there may not be much upside hereafter he has bounced around the NFL for a few years now and is not a young rookie. Still, he has earned this job and if the Bears want to preach competition he has to make the roster over Wims and Ridley. He will certainly get a big role again in the third preseason game, which could be his chance to make it undebatable.
1. Marqui Christian
The Chicago Bears need depth at cornerback and safety. They may be able to get a little of both with Marqui Christian. An interesting development is that he got onto the field to see some slot snaps even when Eddie Jackson and Tashaun Gipson were on the field.
Then, he moved back to safety behind Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson later in the game. It led to him getting a lot of playing time, break up a few passes, and make a few tackles.
Christian also was one of the leaders on special teams with two tackles and 12 snaps per PFF. Christian even added pressure.
His versatility cannot go unnoticed. If he can provide depth in the slot, at safety, and add on special teams he almost should be a lock for the roster. He was up and down in the performance to be fair, but the Bears clearly have trust in him and like what he brings. Keep an eye on him with a chance to earn his roster spot next week.