The Chicago Bears didn’t just beat the Cleveland Browns 34-10; they dismantled them in the first preseason tilt. Sure, the starters sat on the bench, but the backup units revealed a receiver room that looks absolutely stacked alongside an offensive line that remains a massive question mark. According to Windy City Gridiron, the team might actually have too many good receivers to keep. That’s a luxury this franchise hasn’t enjoyed in decades.
Receiver Room Is Loaded
Even without DJ Moore or the top picks taking a single snap, the depth chart looks scary good. Former CFL player Kaden Davis directed the offense to 88 receiving yards on just four receptions. His performance included a massive 44-yard gain that got everyone’s attention. Veterans Ray-Ray McCloud, Maurice Alexander, and Scotty Miller also made their cases with solid numbers. McCloud hauled in three catches for 63 yards, while Alexander added three grabs for 42 yards and a touchdown. Miller chipped in three catches for 37 yards. Per Windy City Gridiron, this group of veterans brings plenty of special teams value, making the race for the final roster spot a true battle.
The depth is so thick that the team might need to cut or trade a talented player just to make room. That’s a luxury the Bears haven’t seen in a long time. If everyone stays healthy, the top four spots are set, but the fight for the sixth spot will be intense over the next two weeks.
Offensive Line Questions Remain
While the offense moved the ball, the line play was a mixed bag that needs attention. Rookie Theo Benedet secured the sixth-best offensive grade of the game for the Bears. He posted a clean pass-pro stat line with no pressures allowed. This stands in stark contrast to veteran Jedrick Wills, who earned a 58.2 grade, and starting left tackle Kiran Amegadjie, who had a 44.8 grade and gave up three pressures. The news that Ozzy Trapilo is returning to practice could change the math for the left tackle position, but the current options didn’t look ready.
Defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg showed some promise with three pressures and a quarterback hit. His athletic traits were on display, even if he needs more discipline. The team will head to Cincinnati for a joint practice and another game, which will be the real test for these backups.
Next Steps in Cincinnati
The Bears must now prove this depth holds up against a tougher opponent. The roster battles for the final spots will heat up as the team prepares for the Bengals. According to Windy City Gridiron, the healthy rookie class will be out there again, including Dillon Thieneman at safety and Malik Muhammad II at nickelback.
The real test starts when they hit the practice fields in Cincinnati next week.
