Postgame reactions from Chicago Bears preseason win over Seattle
Takeaways on the Chicago Bears defense vs the Seahawks
The Chicago Bears defense showed some flashes of what it could be this season, even with the massive turnover on that side of the ball. While the starters did not play much, the defensive depth at many positions is clear. Names like Dominique Robinson, Jack Sandborn, DeMarquis Gates, and Elijah Hicks all stood out again today, among others.
With the Roquan Smith drama still ongoing, the linebacker play from the second and third stringers has been a welcomed sight. Sandborn and Gates both had strong games again, and they may have both moved up in the depth chart, especially if Matt Adams misses time. They have been strong tacklers and have shown their ability to get to the football. Sandborn had another forced fumble today to add to his impressive preseason stat line.
An interesting part of the preseason and camp has been the cornerback group and who will fill out the depth chart. Kyler Gordon debuted today, and it was a bit shaky. He got beat on a play but made the tackle quickly and got flagged for illegal hands to the face. Still, he was all over and made some key plays. He tried to peanut punch on a play that eventually resulted in a fumble.
We have not heard much about Duke Shelley and Kindle Vildor, who both played meaningful snaps last season. It remains to be seen how the secondary will fill out, and none of these players did anything to stand out today. Guys like Lamar Jackson and BoPete Keyes showed some things today, and either one of them could be moved up in the depth chart after this week.
While Jaquan Brisker did not play today, Elijah Hicks had a strong game on the back end for the Chicago Bears and on special teams. He recovered a fumble on a muffed punt which he took to the endzone. He plays with a lot of energy and the coaches should definitely take notice.
Special teams were strong once again, with both Dante Pettis and Velus Jones Jr. taking on the return duties. It seems that Dazz Newsome is on the outside looking in if he cannot even find a role on special teams. Trenton Gill continued to impress with his punts and touch while Cairo Santos showed he is locked in already.