The Chicago Bears will play their first preseason game since 2019 on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins. It won’t be a big event for several players on their roster. Players who know their jobs are safe like Khalil Mack, Allen Robinson, and Roquan Smith among others. They view it as nothing more than a tune up. However, that is not the case for probably the other two thirds of the rosters.
There are several players who know that the contest, while meaningless on the scoreboard, will go a long way in how head coach Matt Nagy and his staff evaluate them. Either for potential starting jobs or even making the roster at all. That leads to an interesting question. Looking to this game, who are the Bears that have the most to lose in the next 24 hours?
These Chicago Bears can’t afford quiet/bad nights vs. Miami
Andy Dalton (QB)
Head coach Matt Nagy has continued to maintain his firm support of Dalton every time he steps in front of the camera. Yet anybody with ears and common sense can hear the noise building. Justin Fields is turning heads at training camp. He’s had some of the best practices yet the past few days, showcasing his immense talent and how fast he is learning the offense. All the while Dalton is looking efficient but hasn’t really stood out in the same ways. If he comes out on Saturday afternoon and flops in his brief appearance against the Dolphins? That could open the door wide for the rookie to make this a full-blown competition.
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Riley Ridley (WR)
Speaking of competition, the Bears have a big one happening at wide receiver. Nagy stated quite clearly that every spot from #3 down behind Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney is up for grabs. It’s a safe assumption at this point that Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd will make the roster too. After that, there are two spots remaining with several contenders vying for it. Riley Ridley is one of them. The former 4th round pick has failed to find regular playing time in the past two years. Now he’s reportedly suffering drop issues in practice. Not a good sign. If he can’t regain some momentum in this upcoming game, there is a real chance this is his final run in a Chicago Bears uniform.
Sad to say this but we’re probably gonna be saying goodbye to Riley Ridley before this season pic.twitter.com/FhDSJO9E1M
— 4DaBears (@BearsDeprived) August 7, 2021
J.P. Holtz (TE)
Things changed fast for Holtz in the past couple of weeks. He looked like the strong #3 option at tight end with Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham. Then Jesse James was signed. He swiftly established a connection with Fields and has been ripping up camp ever since. This has put Holtz in an awkward spot. With their need for more blocking help satiated, the Bears may seek somebody who can help in the passing game. That is why Jesper Horsted might be gaining some ground. The former undrafted free agent was great in the 2019 preseason. If he pulls an encore, Holtz will be in trouble.
Trevis Gipson (OLB)
Chicago has high hoped for Gipson this year. They traded up to get him in the 2020 draft because they loved his potential as a pass rusher. He spent this offseason altering his body to become a proper outside linebacker and has looked much quicker in camp. That said, there are some who think he hasn’t produced enough splash plays. Something that was a problem during his limited opportunities as a rookie. That is why this Miami game is so important for him. He can’t afford to get complacent. Not with guys like James Vaughters, Charles Snowden, and LeDarius Mack all having nice moments of their own. They’re vying for that precious 4th OLB spot too.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe (ILB)
The former 4th round pick was hoping to be an eventual successor to Danny Trevathan. However, he hasn’t done enough the past three years to get anywhere close to that conversation. Instead Iyiegbuniwe has settled into a backup role as a primarily a special teams guy. While that has proven good enough before, it may not be any longer. The Bears made sure of that when they signed two proven veterans in Christian Jones and Alec Ogletree. Both have more proven experience on the defensive side of the ball and have stood out more in training camp. Unless “Iggy” can deliver some sort of “look at me” moments soon, his draft status likely won’t safe him this time.
Duke Shelley (CB)
There is no position in the Chicago Bears’ secondary that is a bigger unknown than the nickel corner spot. As of right now, the general belief is Shelley holds onto that starting job considering this was the case at the end of last season. However, his name hasn’t popped up much in camp. This likely leaves the door open for several others vying for that job including rookie Thomas Graham Jr., former CFL standout Tre Roberson, and veteran Marqui Christian. Shelley wasn’t terrible last season but he hasn’t proven he deserved the job either. That is why this upcoming game is so important. If somebody else manages to make some plays, then his grip will weaken fast.
