{"id":71663,"date":"2019-08-28T14:59:01","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T18:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=71663"},"modified":"2021-03-18T21:21:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T01:21:36","slug":"chicago-bears-preseason-studs-duds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/08\/28\/chicago-bears-preseason-studs-duds\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears Preseason Studs and Duds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chicago Bears<\/a> fans got to see a few studs and duds and didn\u2019t have to suffer through the most boring preseason despite the starters playing all of one, three-and-out drive. Between Antonio Brown<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s helmet and feet, Jay Z partnering with the NFL<\/a>, and now Andrew Luck<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s surprise retirement, the dog days of summer have been quite lively.<\/p>\n

Studs and Duds from Chicago Bears Preseason<\/h2>\n

Matt Nagy<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s decision to take his 2018 preseason approach of resting his starters to the next level raised some eyebrows<\/a>. Seeing the likes of Cam Newton<\/a><\/strong> and Lamar Miller<\/a><\/strong> become the latest to go down with injury, Miller for the season, lowered those eyebrows.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Likewise, some players may have played themselves right off the team. Elliott Fry<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Studs<\/h3>\n

James Vaughters – Linebacker<\/h4>\n

The Bears are in need of a fourth pass-rusher behind Khalil Mack<\/strong><\/a>, Leonard Floyd<\/strong><\/a>, and Aaron Lynch<\/strong><\/a>. Through three weeks, first-year pro James Vaughters<\/strong><\/a> 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\u2019s more than Fitts can boast.<\/p>\n

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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<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ANBlz1GioQ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) August 25, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n