The Chicago Bears wrapped up their second preseason game. While the result does not matter, how the players with jobs on the line perform. So, even without Justin Fields, there were plenty of takeaways and storylines. What were the biggest notes?
5. Khalil Herbert is running away as the Chicago Bears lead back
Some of the biggest notes from this game were players who did not play. One of them was Khalil Herbert. He was healthy but was considered one of the key starters who needed to be rested after a strong week of practice. This is significant for Herbert because the early expectation was that he was going to be in a running back by committee.
However, as the preseason has gone, it has become apparent that either D'onta Foreman or Roschon Johnson will work as a backup to Herbert, who appears to be the main rusher. Herbert played all seven snaps with Justin Fields so far this preseason. When Fields left the field, Herbert left the field as well.
Meanwhile, neither Foreman nor Johnson has taken any snaps with the first-team offense in-game action. Johnson is moving up the depth chart, but he started at the very bottom, given his rookie status. For Foreman, it is pretty clear that he has not been able to catch Herbert. One key area is the passing game, and seeing Herbert take a reception all the way to the end zone had to make the coaching staff feel good.
Johnson may continue to ascend, but for at least the first month it is the Khalil Herbert show.
4. The Chicago Bears still have Trevis Gipson down on the depth chart
After Trevis Gipson had an excellent performance in the preseason opener, many wondered if that meant that he was a lock for the roster. While there is still a chance for him to make that move, it is significant to note that Gipson did not move up the depth chart despite the great outing.
This was expected, but now was confirmed. Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker sat out as they are the big-name starters. Rasheem Green and Dominique Robinson started because they were a free-agent signing and draft pick by Ryan Poles.
Then, Terrell Lewis came in for a NASCAR package in which Green slid inside, Gervon Dexter stayed on the field, and Lewis was an edge rusher across from Robinson. The Bears running specific packages with all of the competition Gipson has is probably not a good sign.
Then, Gipson played fine but did not have a repeat performance. He did not play starter-level players, but the competition was a bit better than last week, and we saw that Gipson was not impacting the game once again.
He came into week one of the preseason as the sixth edge rusher, and with one week to go in the preseason he will be in the same spot. He still needs a strong weekend to make the roster.
3. Macon Clark is getting a real chance for the Chicago Bears
One question entering this preseason game was who would start in the slot. Kyler Gordon has been a winner of training camp and got the starter treatment. Then, the presumed backup Josh Blackwell has not started in multiple weeks.
This opened the door for Greg Stroman last week, but this week, the door was wide open for Macon Clark. Clark is a rookie UDFA from Tulane. He has spent most of his time as depth, but the injuries and questions in the slot have led to him getting real work against players such as Josh Downs.
Now, this could just be a one-week thing. Stroman was over Clark one week; Clark was over Stroman the next. The third week could be the best of the two. Beyond that, if Josh Blackwell comes back, you have to think he has a spot locked down.
However, if he does not come back, the odds of Macon Clark making the 53-man roster just improved dramatically. Now, he has to stack it with another strong week.
2. Dante Pettis is still fighting for a spot on the Chicago Bears roster
The Chicago Bears have a question at the depth part of their wide receiver depth chart. The final spots will eventually come down to special teams. The issue is that none of their depth receivers have locked down a spot.
Equamimeous St. Brown probably has, and has been a multiple phase member of the special teams unit. However, rookie Tyler Scott has not been able to find any roles on special teams. Velus Jones has held down the kick return job but has fumbled away the punt return job. Dante Pettis is the starting punt return option, but he has been injured all of the preseason.
The tides turned this week. Jones and Scott had been healthy, and Pettis fell behind in the training camp battle. Now, Scott and Jones were injured, and it was Dante Pettis getting work. Pettis did well as a receiver, but the key news was that he returned punts.
Pettis did not wow anyone, but he also did not fumble or cost the team. That is all they need at this point, and they cannot seem to find that from Jones or Scott. All of a sudden, this competition has gotten interesting.
1. Tyson Bagent showed that he belongs
With Justin Fields out, you would not think that a quarterback would have been one of the biggest storylines, but it would be impossible to walk away from this game and not discuss Tyson Bagent. Bagent is a rookie UDFA at quarterback, which rarely works out and turns into anything. However, it is hard to walk away from Bagent's play after two weeks and not think about the possibility of what he can become.
The former Shepherd quarterback was the backup, ahead of Nathan Peterman, which was a question coming into the game. Bagent may have ensured that he will never be behind Peterman again with his play.
Bagent went 9-10 for 76 yards. He added a rushing touchdown on four yards. The stats are fine, but the play showed what he is and can become. He looked poised in the pocket and had command in the huddle. Beyond that, it is obvious what kind of arm he has. Neither Peterman nor PJ Walker has the velocity on their throws that Bagent brings.
Bagent is likely to stick to the practice squad this year because he is still very raw, and this was just a minor look into what he can do. Still, the Bears may have pulled him after that touchdown drive because they did not want teams to get any funny ideas. Another strong week, and the Bears may have to decide if he should stick on the 53-man roster.