Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus announced on Thursday the 15th that the 1's will get reps this saturday during the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. During Thursday's presser Eberflus said "we feel really good about our plan and the process we've been through so far". He wouldn't clarify on how many reps starters will get. This announcement comes after a successful joint practice with the Bengals on a very rainy morning. The joint practice saw the Bears defense get loud and in Bengals QB Joe Burrow's face. Burrow threw 3 interceptions - two of which to Kevin Byard and Marcus Stroman. Other defensive reports from the day noted that Jaylon Johnson was able to shutdown Tee Higgins, and that is something I absolutely LOVE to hear. The offense also looked confident with Williams throwing completions to DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and to Gerald Everett. The Everett completion was my personal favorite to see on the Bear's YouTube highlight because Caleb Williams had this sidearm throw that we are seeing a lot more of lately. I know there's another established NFL QB who is known for sidearm completions on the run... I just can't remember who it is... Bagent also saw some action with a completion to Dante Pettis.
The starters announcement does come as a surprise after Cincinnati said they would not play their starters. Although Eberflus is playing his cards very close to his chest, we can infer that the decision to play starters is to see Caleb Williams develop his basic quarterback skills more and to get clarity on the O-Line. Caleb looked good against the Bills but needs more time to develop and there are still questions surrounding the center and right guard positions.
We all know the skit with Williams by now so let's jump to the O-Line. Nate Davis is back and was seen practicing with the 1's during Thursday's joint practice. Ryan Bates is out "week to week" due to injury per Eberflus. Nate Davis might get his redemption arc after missing time and also being out. HC Eberflus said that Davis' injuries have been "unfortunate" but that he has "worked" to get back to where he is. Maybe Davis just needed some time away from the game like I did the last couple weeks with this blog. Maybe Davis will come back stronger and more poised to be a key player in this season's O-Line.
Lastly, Velus Jones Jr had more reps with the 1's during joint practice as a running back. Eberflus said that Velus "[has] shown toughness, he’s able to handle the position" and that "he’s able to get the reads down". He also noted that he's starting to learn more blocking. I feel very confident in my prediction of Velus Jones Jr to RB2 in the regular season.
I'm excited for this week's preseason game (when am I not excited for Bears football). I don't think we'll see more Caleb Williams than we did last week. I do think we'll see Velus Jones JR utilized more as a RB and we'll see Nate Davis prove himself worthy of the right guard position. What are you looking forward to seeing this Saturday?
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