The Chicago Bears opened the preseason with a bang, defeating the Cleveland Browns, 34-10, on Saturday at Soldier Field.
While quarterback Caleb Williams and most of the starters didn’t play, there was still plenty to watch as players battled for starting jobs and roster spots. The offense got off to a slow start in the first half — where they were tied with the Browns, 10-10. But they turned things up in the second half with 24 points. Some of training camp’s biggest standouts once again showed out in live game action while other players made strong statements.
Here’s a look at the biggest studs from the Bears’ dominant win in their preseason opener against the Browns.
DE Jamree Kromah
Defensive end Jamree Kromah had a monster day on defense, where he showcased his impressive power off the edge and pressuring the quarterback against the Browns. Kromah had two of Chicago’s three sacks on the day, and he could have had more, while adding six tackles, including three tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. One of those sacks was a strip sack of starting quarterback Deshaun Watson on fourth-and-2. Kromah was consistently generating pressure and getting in the backfield.
CB Beanie Bishop
The Bears signed Beanie Bishop amid a slew of injuries in the secondary, and he had an impactful performance in the team’s preseason opening win. Bishop had not one but two interceptions, three pass breakups and three tackles. Bishop picked off both Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel on badly overthrown passes. With Chicago dealing with numerous injuries in the defensive backfield, it was a statement game.
WR Kaden Davis
Wide receiver Kaden Davis had been a standout in training camp, and it translated to the field in Chicago’s preseason opener. Davis showcased his playmaking ability and led the Bears with four receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in first-half action with quarterback Tyson Bagent. Davis continues to make a strong statement for a roster spot in a loaded receivers room.
RB Salvon Ahmed
Running back Salvon Ahmed has been one of the underrated standouts during training camp, and he showed exactly why against the Browns. Ahmed only had two carries for 17 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry, but he provided a highlight in the passing game, taking a screen pass from quarterback Tyson Bagent 49 yards for a touchdown. Ahmed totaled three catches for 55 yards, on three targets, and a score on the day. Ahmed outshone Roschon Johnson, who got the start, and continues to make a case for a roster spot.
QB Case Keenum
While Tyson Bagent had an up-and-down day, third-string quarterback Case Keenum had a strong third quarter against the Browns. He completed 9-of-10 passes for 151 yards with two touchdowns — to running backs Salvon Ahmed and Brittain Brown — and a 158.3 passer rating. He also added one rush for six yards. While the hope is Keenum never sees the field in a regular-season game, it’s certainly reassuring knowing he’s their third-string quarterback.
WR Maurice Alexander
For the second consecutive year, wide receiver Maurice Alexander scored the first touchdown in the preseason opener, both coming from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. Alexander saw action both on offense and as a return specialist. While it wasn’t a perfect game — he had a drop — Alexander had three catches for 42 yards, which included a 25-yard touchdown. Alexander is entrenched in the battle for the sixth receiver spot, and he certainly made an impression against the Browns.
LB Ruben Hyppolite II
Ruben Hyppolite II was another standout player for the Bears defense, and he also saw action on special teams. Hyppolite led the team with seven tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. After a tough rookie season, Hyppolite had positive contributions on defense where he showcased his speed. Unfortunately, Hyppolite suffered a shoulder injury and didn’t return. The hope is that it’s not anything serious so that the former fourth-round pick has an opportunity to make a push for a roster spot.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 7 studs from the Chicago Bears’ preseason win vs. Browns
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
