Bears roster risers in team’s 27-3 preseason win over Bengals originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Even though the Bears practiced for over two hours against the Bengals in joint work earlier this week, head coach Matt Eberflus had the starters play significant snaps against Cincinnati’s backups on Saturday. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams still getting acclimated to the NFL, and other offensive starters getting used to Shane Waldron’s offense, it’s an understandable decision. It meant fewer snaps for players jockeying for higher billing on the depth chart and fighting for jobs, however.
Even so, there were a few standout performers in the Bears’ third preseason game of the year.
Ogbongbemiga was a largely unheralded free agent signee this offseason, with the expectation that he would primarily contribute on special teams. If the Bears stay healthy that will be the case. On Saturday, however, Ogbongbemiga looked as well as he has all summer on defense. His interception in the second quarter will lead the highlight reels (more on that in a bit), but just as important were some of his open-field tackles. In particular, Ogbongbemiga did well to bring down Kwamie Lassiter as he streaked towards the sideline with time winding down in the first half. Ogbongbemiga kept Lassiter in bounds, which forced the Bengals to burn their final timeout and essentially ended their two minute drill. Ogbongbemiga finished the day with six tackles, which was tied for most on the team.
Earlier in camp the Bears rotated several players at slot corner with Kyler Gordon sidelined, including Blackwell, Greg Stroman and Reddy Steward. With just over three weeks to go until Week 1, it now appears like Blackwell will be Gordon’s primary backup. Blackwell made his name with the Bears as a special teams ace, but made an impact on defense against the Bengals. It was his blitz that forced a floating pop up, which Ogbongbemiga intercepted– looking more like a centerfielder than…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-roster-risers-teams-27-195151046.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-08-17 19:51:51
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