The Chicago Bears completed their first preseason game under new head coach Ben Johnson, pulling out a close 24-24 tie against the Miami Dolphins.
Chicago's offense finished with 295 total yards, but the story was on the defense that held Miami to under 300 total yards. They also got five sacks on the Dolphins' quarterbacks.
It may not have been the perfect game for the Bears, but there was plenty of good that came from it on the defensive side of the ball. The offense, on the other hand, could use some improvement for the rest of August.
Winner: Noah Sewell, LB
What a first two possessions of the game for Sewell on defense. He finished with a team-high six tackles and a tackle for loss. That tackle for loss came on fourth and goal on the opening Dolphins drive with an impressive goal-line stand. Sewell is battling with rookie Ruben Hyppolite II
for the third starting linebacker job, and looks the part.
Loser: Braxton Jones
It was an average day at best for the offensive line as they allowed three sacks, but all eyes were on Braxton Jones at left tackle. Jones was okay, but everyone pointed out his missed block on Tyson Bagent's touchdown pass to Maurice Alexander that was almost a sack. Nothing really changed with the left tackle position battle, but it certainly feels like Ozzy Trapilo might have the slight edge.
Winner: Austin Booker, DE
For the first two quarters, Sewell was a prime candidate for player of the game. Booker had something to say about that with six tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. All that talk about Booker being a potential breakout star is starting to look like a good prediction. He's every little bit as good as advertised.
Loser: Travis Homer, RB
Homer didn't get enough touches on offense and was overshadowed by Kyle Monangai, Deion Hankins, and Ian Wheeler's performances. Homer had six yards on two carries and two catches for 15 yards. The three other backs combined for 73 rushing yards for an average of 3.8 yards per carry, and Hankins got a touchdown catch from Case Keenum. It's looking like Homer is more and more on the outside looking in for the 53-man roster.
Read more: Bears expected to sign running back (but it's not who fans hoped it would be)
Winner: Nahshon Wright, CB
Wright didn't have a perfect day on the field, but he showed some good things, especially with a very competitive cornerback position after his two tackles. He showed off his arm length and how good he can be in the open field to make a tackle. It has been a great training camp for Wright and continues to make an argument to make the team.