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Stock up, stock down after Chicago Bears' preseason tie vs. Dolphins

Stock Up, Stock Down After Chicago Bears' Preseason Tie With Dolphins

The Chicago Bears kicked off their preseason slate with a 13-13 tie against the Miami Dolphins, providing an early glimpse into the team's depth and potential heading into the regular season. While preseason games aren't always indicative of regular-season success, they offer valuable insights into individual performances, roster battles, and areas of strength or concern. In this matchup, several players elevated their stock with standout plays, while others saw theirs dip due to miscues or underwhelming showings. Let's break it down by highlighting those whose value rose and those who might need to rebound in the coming weeks.

Stock Up

One of the brightest spots for the Bears was the performance of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who made his highly anticipated debut. Fields entered the game in the second quarter and immediately injected energy into the offense. He showcased his dual-threat ability, completing passes with poise and scrambling effectively to extend plays. His arm strength was evident on a few deep throws, and he managed to lead a scoring drive that culminated in a field goal. Fields' composure under pressure, especially against a Dolphins defense that tested him with blitzes, suggests he's adapting quickly to the NFL level. This outing likely solidifies his role as a potential starter sooner rather than later, boosting confidence in the Bears' quarterback room. Beyond the stats, his leadership on the field was palpable, as he connected well with receivers and avoided costly turnovers.

Another player whose stock surged was wide receiver Damiere Byrd. Known for his speed, Byrd made the most of his opportunities, hauling in several catches that highlighted his route-running precision and ability to create separation. One particularly impressive play saw him streak down the sideline for a significant gain, demonstrating why the Bears signed him as a free agent to add explosiveness to their receiving corps. His performance could earn him more snaps in a crowded wideout group that includes Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, potentially carving out a role as a deep-threat specialist.

On the defensive side, linebacker Alec Ogletree stood out with his veteran savvy. Ogletree, a recent addition to the roster, made several key tackles and showed strong instincts in run defense. His ability to read plays and disrupt the Dolphins' ground game was crucial, especially in short-yardage situations. This performance reinforces his value as a depth piece behind starters Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan, possibly securing his spot on the final 53-man roster.

Running back Khalil Herbert also deserves mention for his stock rise. The rookie from Virginia Tech displayed burst and vision, breaking off a couple of chunk runs that kept drives alive. His elusiveness in the open field and willingness to fight for extra yards impressed coaches, positioning him as a contender for the backup role behind David Montgomery. Herbert's special teams contributions further bolster his case.

Finally, edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu made waves with his pass-rushing prowess. He generated consistent pressure on the Dolphins' quarterbacks, recording a sack and forcing a hurried throw that led to an interception. Attaochu's speed off the edge complements the Bears' defensive line, and this game could elevate him in the rotation alongside Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.

Stock Down

Not every player shined in this preseason opener, and a few saw their stock take a hit due to various issues. Starting with the offensive line, which has been a point of concern for the Bears, left tackle Jason Spriggs struggled mightily. He allowed multiple pressures and a sack, failing to hold up against Miami's pass rushers. Spriggs' technique issues, including poor footwork and leverage, were exposed, raising questions about the depth at tackle. With injuries already plaguing the line, this performance might push the team to seek reinforcements or accelerate the development of younger options.

Wide receiver Riley Ridley also had a disappointing outing. Expected to compete for a roster spot, Ridley dropped a couple of catchable balls and failed to make an impact in limited snaps. His inability to separate from defenders and create yards after the catch highlighted ongoing concerns about his consistency. In a receiver room with emerging talents, Ridley's stock dip could jeopardize his chances of making the team.

Defensively, cornerback Kindle Vildor saw his value decrease after some coverage lapses. Vildor was targeted frequently by the Dolphins and gave up a big completion that set up a scoring opportunity. His positioning and awareness in zone coverage appeared off, allowing receivers to find soft spots. As the Bears look for stability in the secondary opposite Jaylon Johnson, Vildor's struggles might open the door for others like Duke Shelley or Artie Burns to step up.

Punter Pat O'Donnell, while not a high-profile position, had a subpar game with a couple of shanked punts that gave the Dolphins favorable field position. Special teams are critical in close games, and O'Donnell's inconsistency could prompt the Bears to evaluate alternatives, though his veteran status might afford him some leeway.

Lastly, tight end Jesper Horsted, vying for a depth role, didn't capitalize on his opportunities. He had a key drop in the red zone that stalled a drive, and his blocking was average at best. With Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham anchoring the position, Horsted needs to rebound to avoid being on the bubble.

Overall Takeaways

This tie against the Dolphins, while not a win, provided the Bears with plenty of film to dissect. The offense showed flashes of dynamism, particularly with Fields at the helm, suggesting a bright future if the line can improve. Defensively, the unit held firm in key moments, limiting big plays and forcing turnovers. However, penalties and execution errors, such as false starts and missed assignments, were recurring issues that need addressing.

Looking ahead, the Bears' coaching staff, led by Matt Nagy, will use this game to refine their schemes and make tough roster decisions. Players like Fields and Ogletree have momentum on their side, while those in the stock down category must respond in the next preseason games against the Bills and Titans. Preseason ties are rare, but they underscore the experimental nature of these contests—focusing on development over results. For Bears fans, the positives outweigh the negatives, with young talent stepping up and veterans providing stability. As the team builds toward Week 1, these early performances could shape the narrative for a franchise aiming to return to playoff contention.

In summary, this game highlighted the Bears' potential in several areas, from quarterback play to defensive depth, while exposing vulnerabilities that must be shored up. The stock up players demonstrated readiness and skill, potentially accelerating their roles, whereas those with dipping stock face an uphill battle to prove their worth. With training camp ongoing, the competition remains fierce, and the next outings will be pivotal in determining who rises to the occasion. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/news/stock-up-stock-down-after-chicago-bears-preseason-tie-dolphins ]