Chicago Bears: Five quick takeaways from the preseason finale

The Chicago Bears have officially wrapped up their preseason, finishing up against the Tennesee Titans. Winning 27-24 in a pretty entertaining game, all things considered. The final score is never what matters during the preseason because it’s all about evaluation, so here are some “quick takeaways” from the game.

Takeaway No. 1: So-so day for Fields

Today was an interesting day for Chicago Bears rookie, Justin Fields, as he actually got to start the game for the first time. Of course, lots of starters were still not dressed but he did get to play with the starting offensive line, which was notable.

Fields was efficient but overall the Bears‘ offense was somewhat lackluster, totaling well under 100 yards at the half. Field’s final stat line was 7-10, 54 yards, and a great touchdown throw. I would’ve loved to see more of the rookie but we will have to wait for now.

The Chicago Bears need to get this offensive line right before the season opener

Takeaway No. 2: The offensive line looks bad

As mentioned above, we finally got to see the Bears starting line play together and it was not too great. The tackles were getting beat with ease every play it seemed. Including one play where Germain Ifedi completely failed his rep and Peters wasn’t much better.

Let’s hope we can just chalk this game up to rust but if the Bears want to have any type of success on offense this season, it’s going to start in the trenches.

Takeaway No. 3: Trevis Gipson flashed

Trevis Gipson was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 draft and as a rookie struggled to get on the field. So far in the preseason he’s been a solid contributor and should be a roster lock. During Saturday’s game, he really showed what he can do.

Gipson had two really solid pressures on the Titans’ QB, one was a sack that he just missed. His other pressure led to a pick-six by Tre Roberson which really swung the momentum of the game in Chicago’s favor. Gipson was also the highest-graded player in the team’s loss last week, according to Pro Football Focus.

Takeaway No. 4: Did Jesper Horsted just earn a roster spot?

Jesper Horsted just made things interesting in a TE room that I thought was already filled out. We know Graham and Kmet will be the top two, with Jesse James looking like TE3. However, Jesper Horsted just had himself a game. Scoring three times and catching all five of his targets, to total over 100 yards. If the Bears decide to keep four TEs, Horsted must be that fourth guy.

Takeaway No. 5: Nick Foles must be traded

Keeping Nick Foles on this team is a waste of a roster spot in my opinion. Foles played pretty well against the Titans and it’s at the point where the teams should be accepting just about anything for the veteran, especially given the team’s lack of draft capital.

It’s fine if you want to keep three Qbs on the roster but there is no need at all for the QB to be a veteran like Nick Foles. The Bears still have time before the season, so hopefully, they can make a move.