Preseason games matter. Do they mean everything? No. Their importance depends on the player and where they stand on the roster bubble. Still, the Bears have a handful of guys who need strong performances against the Bills on Sunday night. Here are the names to watch:
If Williams struggles, it’s not the end of the world—he’ll ultimately be judged on the regular season. Still, it would be a huge boost if he lights it up and quiets the media noise.
The left tackle competition is heating up. Regardless of who starts, Jones needs to show he can perform and hold onto that top spot.
Theo Benedet—OL
Theo has emerged as a true dark horse in the left tackle battle. Coaches have praised him all week, but now he needs to back it up on the field. Whether or not he gets the start will be telling.
Noah Sewell—LB
Sewell shined against Miami last week. Now he needs to prove it wasn’t just a one-off performance.
With the Bears banged up at corner, Stevenson must step up as a leader and maximize his reps. Competition behind him is real, so he can’t afford a quiet night.
He flashed last preseason but never built on it. This is a chance to string together back to back strong outings and show he’s ready to take a leap in Year 2.
Monangai impressed in the opener against Miami, running with power and violence. If he can keep that up, he could make a legitimate case for the RB2 job.
Tyson Bagent—QB
QB2 isn't locked in. Bagent will need to have a better game than he did last week.
Final Thoughts
Many players will need quality reps on film, but these eight stand out as having the most to gain and/or lose. The entire rookie class, in particular, could build valuable confidence by playing well against a tough Bills defense.
