Chicago Bears fans got to see a few studs and duds and didn’t have to suffer through the most boring preseason despite the starters playing all of one, three-and-out drive. Between Antonio Brown’s helmet and feet, Jay Z partnering with the NFL, and now Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement, the dog days of summer have been quite lively.
Studs and Duds from Chicago Bears Preseason
Matt Nagy’s decision to take his 2018 preseason approach of resting his starters to the next level raised some eyebrows. Seeing the likes of Cam Newton and Lamar Miller become the latest to go down with injury, Miller for the season, lowered those eyebrows.
The extended look at the backups on the roster was invaluable. Starters are set for this team, save for maybe running back, and even that may just be a formality. So seeing some of the lesser-known players flash was good. Seeing a few of those players possibly earn roster spots was a treat.
Likewise, some players may have played themselves right off the team. Elliott Fry has already been cut and injuries along the offensive line forced another move. Others will surely follow, be it due to performance or just trying to sneak someone on to the practice squad.
Studs
James Vaughters – Linebacker
The Bears are in need of a fourth pass-rusher behind Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd, and Aaron Lynch. Through three weeks, first-year pro James Vaughters is tied for the NFL-lead in forced fumbles in the preseason with two, both coming via strip-sack. He only has five total tackles so maybe his game is not as well-rounded as one might like. But he gets to the quarterback, that’s more than Fitts can boast.
8. James Vaughters has used the past two weeks to play himself into a roster spot with two strip-sacks. He can disappear sometimes but the guy always seems to pop up and create some havoc every so often. That type of guy can be a decent #4 edge rusher. #Bears pic.twitter.com/ANBlz1GioQ
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) August 25, 2019
Josh Woods – Linebacker
When trying to guess who the Bears leading tackler was this preseason Nick Kwiatkoski, appropriately, comes to mind. But Josh Woods, a converted defensive back and an undrafted free agent in 2018, sits atop the team stat sheet with 19 total tackles. He is tied for fourth in the NFL in total tackles and is second in solo tackles this preseason. Woods looks like a quality backup at a position that was thought to be thin.
Deon Bush – Safety
Deon Bush has given the impression that he is finally putting it all together in his contract year. He is another player who has received kudos here this preseason. His efforts have him in a four-way tie for the NFL-lead with two interceptions, one of which he returned 91-yards for a touchdown. Players breaking out with new deals on the line isn’t new, but it could be a boon for the Bears if they can now go three-deep with quality safety play.
Clifton Duck – Cornerback
Apparently, Clifton Duck has an affinity for playing above his 5’9″, 176-pound frame. The undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State was the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Player of the Year in 2018. He is having a stellar summer with the Bears, notching nine stops and a pick he returned 62 yards. Duck also went all out to block for Bush on his interception return that ended in a touchdown. He is overshadowing fellow-rookie Duke Shelley, a more-heralded player.
#Bears undrafted rookie cornerback @TheyLove_Duck made the @PFF Team of the Week for Preseason Week 2
See the full squad: https://t.co/q9ltq12tOi pic.twitter.com/GzAVRxGjbF
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) August 19, 2019
Duds
Jonathan Bullard – Defensive Lineman
Just as this space has been used to adulate over Vaughters and Bush, Jonathan Bullard’s name has come up. The difference is it wasn’t for a glowing review, Bullard seems to be on his last legs with the Bears. Bullard has regressed this preseason, notching a sole tackle even though he has started two of the Bears three contests this preseason. Roy Robertson-Harris looks poised for a breakout and Abdullah Anderson flashes. 2019 might be Bullard’s last in Chicago.
Isaiah Irving – Linebacker
Let this also serve as the argument against Kylie Fitts. Isaiah Irving has registered one sack and five total tackles in three preseason starts. Going into his third year, it is now or never for Irving (and Fitts). Players are already fighting to be the fourth edge rusher in the rotation and, right now, Vaughters seems ahead of both Irving and Fitts.
DeAndre Houston-Carson – Safety
When Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson came into the league there was some question as to where they could play, cornerback or safety. Both settled at safety, though Bush has acquitted himself much better. Houston-Carson has seven total tackles this preseason, three fewer than he has in his career. He can disappear and isn’t the best in coverage.
Practice Squad
Ryan Nall – Running Back
The Bears leading rusher this preseason? Nope, it’s not rookie David Montgomery or free-agent signee Mike Davis or even electric-rookie Kerrith Whyte. It was Ryan Nall, who is sixth in the NFL in rushing this preseason. The first-year back also leads the team in receptions with nine that he turned into 53 yards. His ground totals are propped up by a 69-yard scamper in week three against the Indianapolis Colts, but his burst and versatility are intriguing.
Ryan Nall making his case to make that 53-man roster 🔥@Ryannall34 @ChicagoBears#CHIvsIND pic.twitter.com/8sZfSy342e
— NFL (@NFL) August 25, 2019
Ian Bunting – Tight End
Tight end is a sore spot for the Bears; almost literally considering starter Trey Burton is still recovering from off-season sports hernia surgery. He is expected to be healthy for the opener and Adam Shaheen has (oddly) been a no-show this preseason. In their stead, Ian Bunting has caught five of eight targets for a team-leading 108 yards. The local product has had some gaffes with blocking assignments but his hands and run-after-catch ability are obvious.
Bears Preseason Studs & Duds
Another preseason game will be played Thursday against the Tennessee Titans, and roster cuts will be made soon after. Any of the players mentioned here could be gone by the time the regular season rolls around. Most will likely find their way to the practice squad like stalwarts Javon Wims (who might make the 53-man roster) and Tanner Gentry.
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