Which three Chicago Bears players laid duds in Week 1 vs. 49ers

The Chicago Bears got a huge Week 1 win against the San Francisco 49ers at home to start the year. They beat the 49ers 19-10 behind a second-half wake-up from the offense and a stingy defensive effort. A lot went right for the Bears to get this win, but there were some key players who did not perform up to par.

Which Chicago Bears players did not perform as well in Week 1 win over 49ers?

Week 1 dud No. 1: Braxton Jones

Everyone knew it would be a rough game for Braxton Jones. In his first career NFL game at left tackle, he has to face All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa, as well as the rest of the beastly 49er defensive line. Right off the bat, he was beaten a couple of times by Bosa, who was able to cleverly combine his speed and strength to beat Jones.

This is not a knack on Jones as a player. It is expected that he will develop throughout the year and would not come out as a stud right away. Still, after all of the highlights and hype around him coming from the camp, it was a bit disappointing that he was beaten up that badly to start the game.

On a good note, he seemed to find his footing as the game went on, but he continued to struggle to keep the pocket clean for Justin Fields, who was under pressure for most of his dropbacks. The motion that the Bears used later in the game was able to account for the poor pass protection, but the first half was one to forget for Braxton Jones on the left side.

These coaches have talked about a next-play mentality, and Jones showed that as the game went on. He will need that mindset against another star-studded defensive line next week against the Packers. He will have to fix his footwork and his hand usage against these athletic defensive ends that show speed and power because the division is filled with talented edge rushers.