Chicago Bears Intel Report: Preseason Week 3

The Chicago Bears showed measurable progress in Week 3 of the preseason. Caleb Williams executed the offense with rhythm and accountability, the defense reinforced an aggressive veteran-led identity, and emerging contributors validated roster depth. A 92-yard opening touchdown drive demonstrated schematic clarity, while defensive rotations sustained disruptive pressure. Injuries and repeated failures in two-minute execution remain significant vulnerabilities entering the preseason finale against Kansas City.

Key Judgments

• Health: Depth stress is mounting. “Smitty” and Terrell Smith are most concerning, with cornerback and defensive line rotations at risk. Dominique Robinson and Austin Booker were also flagged for injury. Jaylon Johnson has 16–17 days to ramp conditioning before Minnesota. Shamar Turner also flagged.
• Quarterback Development: Williams stacked his best practices and preseason reps, showing improved command, cadence control, and accountability. Strong chemistry with Kmet, Odunze, Zaccheaus, Scott, and Burden. Bagent provides reliable stability, while Reed flashed mobility and poise.
• Offensive Growth: First-team executed a 92-yard touchdown drive capped by a DJ Moore score. Designed route concepts created spacing, and Williams displayed rhythm through multiple progressions. Third- and fourth-down efficiency improved. Two-minute execution remains a glaring weakness.
• Defensive Identity: Defense validated competitiveness against top-tier opponents. Byard leads with steadiness, Brisker expanded his range, and DL rotations delivered constant pressure. Blitz packages from safeties and corners added layers. Booker, Billings, Hardy, and Chris Williams trending upward.
• Culture & Leadership: Johnson demands intensity in practice but projects calm decisiveness in games. Players mirror his consistency and aggression. Assistant coaches gained live play-calling reps with positive outcomes, strengthening organizational depth.
• Situational Football: Late-half execution remains deficient. Consecutive two-minute breakdowns highlight urgent refinement needs before the regular season.

Offensive Analysis

Quarterbacks

• Williams: Installations complete; refining cadence, pre-snap adjustments, and decision-making. Accountability shown on missed protection reads. Cadence used as a tactical weapon. Progress continues despite acknowledged setbacks.
• Bagent: Reliable, steady, cultural anchor. Operated scheme efficiently.
• Reed: Executed bootlegs and play-action, displaying athleticism and poise.

Execution

• 92-yard opening drive showcased layered route designs:
• DJ Moore TD, created by Odunze + Moore vertical pressure.
• Zaccheaus separation TD off spacing concept.
• Kmet seam catch.
• Tyler Scott fearless traffic catch at third level.
• Offensive rhythm supported by huddle-to-snap clarity and improved situational efficiency.

Emerging Contributors

• Tyler Scott: Reliable in traffic, productive at depth.
• Luther Burden: Physical blocking sprung TD run; confident presence.
• Colston Loveland: Strong motion work, reliable blocker, viable receiving option.
• Wheeler: Trusted in blitz pickup, improving reliability.

Offensive Line Depth

• Luke Newman: Swing guard versatility, saved Benedict on key rep.
• Azzie Trapillo: Stock rising at right tackle.
• Ryan Bates: Flexible interior option.
• Benedict: Solid at RT.
• Kiran Amegadjie: Raw but athletic, developing into swing depth.

Weakness

• Two-minute drills continue to collapse under penalties, disrupted rhythm, and decision lapses.

Defensive Analysis

Unit Performance

• Opened with a three-and-out.
• Generated six takeaways in joint practices, validating disruptive capability.

Key Personnel

• Jaquan Brisker: Expanded coverage range, camp standout.
• Kevin Byard: Veteran leader, steady presence.
• Andrew Billings: Leverage anchor, energy-setter.
• Austin Booker: Long-arm rush, stunt execution, batted pass, stout vs run.
• Chris Williams: Improving technique, emerging as rotational piece.
• Daniel Hardy: Excelling on special teams, pushing for pass-rush snaps.

Philosophy

• Aggression treated as mindset, not scheme.
• Pressing corners, disciplined linebackers, fresh DL rotations targeted stagnant OL.
• Blitz variety: safety blitzes (Owens, Cook, Hippolyte) and timed corner blitzes.

Emerging Depth

• Noah Sewell: Speed, physicality, quick trigger validated.
• Hippolyte: Versatile LB, reliable in coverage.
• Booker + Billings: Tandem stunts consistently created disruption.

Coaching & Culture

• Head Coach Ben Johnson: Demanding precision in practice; calm, decisive on game day. Team mirrors his consistency and aggression.
• Staff Development: Harris (defense), Doyle (offense), Dean (second-half play-calling) graded positively in live reps, confirming coaching pipeline strength.
• Roster Philosophy: Defined roles emphasized. Example: Hardy excelling on special teams while competing in pass-rush rotation.

Situational Football

• Strengths: Fast-start scoring (first-drive TD), improved third- and fourth-down efficiency.
• Weaknesses: Consecutive failures in two-minute drills; inconsistent late-half clock management. Immediate correction priority.

Outlook

• Quarterbacks: Williams trending toward operational readiness. Bagent ensures steady depth; Reed provides developmental upside.
• Offense: Chemistry across multiple targets improving. Situational execution will determine early-season success.
• Defense: Aggressive identity solidifying, ceiling tied to secondary health. Brisker and Byard anchor coverage, DL rotations sustain disruption.
• Roster Formation: Kansas City finale will stress-test rotations, finalize 53, and provide last live assessment of two-minute operations before the regular season.