7 Instant takeaways from the Bears' 24-24 tie with the Dolphins
The Bears decided to sit most of the starters, including quarterback Caleb Williams, in Ben Johnson's head coaching debut. The backups provided some big moments on offense and defense, and we saw a few position battles up close for the first time.
Here are our instant takeaways from Sunday's preseason game:
1. The backup QB competition isn't ending anytime soon
Third-year quarterback Tyson Bagent got the start on Sunday, but that doesn't mean he's a lock to remain Caleb Williams' top backup. Bagent had an up-and-down day throughout the first half, with multiple three-and-outs, as well as an interception. He also orchestrated a long touchdown drive with decisive throws. Case Keenum, meanwhile, showed he can still sling the ball in the second half with two touchdown passes, including a beautiful rainbow ball to Jahdae Walker. Bagent finished the day going 13-for-19 with 103 yards, a touchdown, and a pick, with a passer rating of 77.3, while Keenum completed 8-of-10 passes for 80 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 139.6.
Each player brings something different to the huddle, and no one is pulling away anytime soon. We'll see what the final two preseason games bring over the next couple of weeks.
2. Noah Sewell and Austin Booker fit this defense well
The front seven of the Bears' defense had a great day overall, but two players in particular stood out for their performances. Linebacker Noah Sewell made a big impact on the first couple drives, stuffing the Dolphins' ball carriers on multiple occasions in the red zone. His best play came on fourth down when he dropped Jaylen Wright for a loss at the goal line. Sewell's best ability coming out of the draft was his downfield tackling, and that was on display Sunday. He could have a nice role in Dennis Allen's defense. Sewell finished with six total tackles, with one for a loss.
The other standout defensive player was Austin Booker after he tormented the Dolphins' offensive line all day. Booker notched three sacks and three tackles for loss, including a forced fumble that led to a Bears touchdown. He added more mass this offseason and looks better equipped to handle offensive tackles in the NFL in Year 2. Booker has a good chance to become the rotational pass rush specialist behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
3. Cairo Santos isn't going anywhere
While the Bears brought in another kicker to training camp, Cairo Santos' job never really seemed to be in jeopardy. After Sunday's preseason game, it's clear he isn't going anywhere. Santos kicked in the first half, and undrafted rookie Jonathan Kim took over in the second half. Santos converted his only extra point attempt but stood out with a 57-yard field goal as time expired to end the first half. Had it been a regular season game, Santos would have set a new career long.
The biggest knock surrounding Santos isn't his accuracy; it's his leg strength. The previous coaching regime didn't send him out to attempt long field goals too often. If he can add a couple of yards to his range, Santos will be even more valuable to the Bears in 2025.
4. Kyle Monangai has some pop but still has work to do
Rookie running back Kyle Monangai got the start on Sunday, giving him a prime opportunity to show what he can do at the pro level. What we saw was a rookie running back who has the physical tools to be an impactful runner in between the tackles. Monangai totaled 30 rushing yards on six carries and broke multiple tackles in the first half. His pass protection, however, still needs work.
Monangai struggled to pick up and contain blitzing defenders when he was asked, something that isn't uncommon for rookie running backs. It's just a reminder that he has to earn Johnson's trust by progressing but still has a ways to go before he can be trusted in high-leverage situations in the regular season.
5. Ozzy Trapilo came out ahead of Braxton Jones at left tackle
Arguably the biggest position battle on the Bears at this point is at left tackle between Braxton Jones and rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Both players saw extended periods on the field with mixed results. Jones got the start and had some solid stretches against the Dolphins' defensive line. He also had a few questionable reps that could have been disastrous. Trapilo, on the other hand, was more consistent and held his own throughout the day.
It's just one game, and the Bears aren't in a hurry to declare a winner at the position just yet. Still, seeing positive results from Trapilo this early is encouraging and could give him a leg up on the competition.
6. Jahdae Walker stood out at wide receiver
There is always one receiver who makes an early impact in the preseason as a journeyman veteran or undrafted rookie. Many believed JP Richardson would be that player on Sunday, but instead it was Jahdae Walker. The rookie out of Texas A&M led the Bears with 41 receiving yards and had one of the plays of the day when he caught Keenum's touchdown pass in the second half.
Walker had an outstanding week of practice and could be coming on at just the right time. He's still a long shot to make the roster, but he could easily secure a practice squad spot with more big plays. Let's see how it goes the rest of the way, but it's clear he has a nice connection with Keenum. "I really trust Jahdae in the short time I've gotten to know him," Keenum said after the game via ESPN's Courtney Cronin.
7. The navy end zones need to become permanent
The Bears opened up the preseason with a new look in the end zones and they look really nice. Hopefully it's a permanent change for the entire year. Might as well change some things up to create better vibes at home, right?
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 7 Instant takeaways from the Bears' 24-24 tie with the Dolphins
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