Chicago Bears: 3 Standout performers from Preseason Week 1

The Chicago Bears opened their preseason with a 20-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. Here are some standouts who had a hand in that victory.

We finally saw the Chicago Bears in action on the football field. Chicago opened their preseason by hosting the Miami Dolphins. After giving up the first 13 points, the Bears scored 20 straight points and came away with the victory.

There was an incredible amount of excitement entering the game. It’s been a while since a Chicago Bears preseason game had a buzz. Yes, it was just a preseason game and it doesn’t count for the regular season, but it was great to finally see fans in the stands. It was also great to see how excited those fans were. With the Bears’ offense struggling for the last few seasons, the fans grew weary and didn’t have much hope in this team.

This offseason changed everything, however. After some questionable moves to begin the offseason, the Bears made some big moves to overhaul the roster. The team strengthened the offense by bringing in new players and adding speed. Additionally, there are more mean and nasty players on the offensive line (though injuries are taking a toll early on).

Again, this was just the first preseason game. A lot can change between now and Week 1. Some of the same players we’re praising today may wear a different uniform later. Remember, the team needs to make five roster cuts this week. With only three preseason games, the opportunities for players to impress are cut.

For now, however, we’re looking at the players who played well and had a hand in helping the Bears come out on top. Here are three standouts from the game.

3. Khalil Herbert, RB/KR

The Chicago Bears made a surprising move drafting running back Khalil Herbert in the sixth round of this year’s draft. General manager Ryan Pace made an effort to improve the unit. He signed Super Bowl hero Damien Williams as a backup. Looking back at Pace’s thinking, drafting a running back shouldn’t have been a surprise.

The original plan for Herbert was to have him compete for a spot on the roster as a kick returner. He has explosiveness and good speed and used those skills in college. With the running backs unit already having David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, Williams, Ryan Nall, and Artavis Pierce, it would be difficult to use Herbert in the backfield.

Herbert is trying to change that discussion.

The rookie came out of the gate playing well. He’s had a good training camp and it continued into the first preseason game. He rushed for 38 yards on 6 carries. He added 3 catches for 11 yards as well. In addition to that, he returned a punt for 16 yards.

The news so far on Cohen’s ACL rehab isn’t very good. His availability for Week 1 is in doubt. If that happens, the Bears need someone who can do what he does. Herbert wants to be that player. If he builds on this first game, he could see some snaps in the backfield in addition to special teams.