The preseason isn’t known for holding the best games when it comes to the NFL schedule. Yet it still has a role to play every year. It won’t be any different in 2021 for the Chicago Bears. They have plenty of things that will need sorting through before they’re ready for action by September. Given the way things are shaping up, this could actually be a surprisingly entertain preseason.
Not just in terms of what happens on the field but the subplots that come along with it. Drama isn’t usually expected during exhibition games but this is the NFL. There is always a way to drum up drama. Chicago the team that is known for producing it too often. That said, this could be an exception.
So here are a few things fans should look forward to when the preseason does arrive three months from now.
Don’t say this Chicago Bears 2021 preseason will be boring
Justin Fields vs. Andy Dalton
This is going to hold the attention of everybody for obvious reasons. The Bears are doing everything in their power to not make it a thing but it’s a thing. Dalton is the designated starter according to Matt Nagy. Yet nobody believes for a second that the door hasn’t been left open for Fields to seize the job. If he stands out in training camp as many expect, then the stage will be set for the preseason. A decisive showing there while Dalton struggles could be the final catalyst to elevate the rookie to that starting job for Week 1.
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Mitch Trubisky revenge season
It is happening so fast that it almost seems anticlimactic in a way. Just a few months after the Chicago Bears elected to end the Mitch Trubisky era, their former #2 overall pick will be returning to Soldier Field in August. This time wearing a different shade of blue with the Buffalo Bills. He was signed to be the backup to Josh Allen. Given it’s the preseason? He is likely to see extended playing time too. One can imagine he’ll be pretty fired up for that. The best part is Fields might see some action at the same time. That might be a small topic of discussion, yes?
The wide receiver free-for-all
Things have gotten a bit unusual at wide receiver. The Bears could best be described as top-heavy. Allen Robinson is a lock to make the roster. So is Darnell Mooney. Beyond them? It is difficult to predict. There are a number of receivers who could easily crack the depth chart including Anthony Miller, Marquise Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, Dazz Newsome, Javon Wims, and Riley Ridley. With four spots open, this could be one of the wilder position battles seen in a long time. There is no predicting of how this might go. Watch for special teams to play a huge role in the outcome.
The cornerback free-for-all
Ironically the only battle that might rival the Bears’ wide receiver position for sheer unpredictability across the NFL is their cornerback position. This is what happens when you lose two of your three starters from last year. Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine were both released. That leaves Jaylon Johnson as the only definitive lock for opening night. So it is going to be quite interesting to see how the other two spots fall in line. Is Desmond Trufant an easy pencil in? Will 6th round pick Thomas Graham make an expected push in the slot? These are going to be competitive.
