The Chicago Bears 2021 preseason is in the books. As usual, it had ups and it had down. More than anything, it offered fans a taste of what could be in store for them when the real games start getting played next month. If that is the case, then they have reasons to both be excited and terrified. This team is not perfect. There are definite flaws. However, at the same time, several things about it offer genuine encouragement.

So it is time to take stock. Look back over the past three weeks and come away with some assessments of where this team is at. Offensively, defensively, and even on the coaching staff. This is not to say everything mentioned is set in stone. Things have a way of changing fast when the live bullets start flying.

Here are 10 takeaways from the Chicago Bears preseason run

Justin Fields put all the pressure on Andy Dalton

The Bears seem determined on their course to start Dalton in Los Angeles. However, it isn’t because Fields made that decision easy. The 11th overall pick looked great most of the preseason, showcasing his vast array of talents and also his surprising maturation as a pocket passer. Nobody disputes his abilities far exceed Dalton’s. The fact he looked so good in the preseason only increased the pressure on the 33-year old to play well. If he doesn’t? Then smart money says it won’t take long for the team to reconsider their approach. Having to play the #1 defense in the league right out of the gate probably doesn’t help his chances.

Khalil Herbert is the Bears’ kick returner

Losing Cordarrelle Patters was always going to be a blow for the Bears at kick returner. Thus far they haven’t found anybody who can come close to what he offered the past two seasons. The first two weeks saw guys like Jordan Lucas, Chris Lacy, and Jon’Vea Johnson take cracks at it. None impressed. When Herbert stepped in? For the first time, it felt like they had somebody with a natural feel for the job. He didn’t have any huge explosive plays, but the running back had a number of returns where he got more yardage than he probably should’ve. That is something this team can work with.

The tackle problem isn’t going to go away

People can debate all day about whether cutting Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie was the wrong decision. The bottom line is the Chicago Bears had valid reasons to do so, some due to injuries and the other salary cap. They had a plan in place to work through the losses. Unfortunately, bad luck and perhaps bad evaluations got in the way. Talented 2nd round pick Teven Jenkins might be done for the year after back surgery. Germain Ifedi gave up a sack and had a penalty during his first action on Saturday. Jason Peters didn’t look terrible but he also looked like somebody who isn’t quite in premium condition yet. Dalton could be in for a rough start to the season.

Sam Mustipher shouldn’t get comfortable yet

There is no question that Mustipher is one of the coolest stories of the past few years. An undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame, he fought his way onto the roster last season and played well enough to earn the starting job at center. He’s continued to add more mass to his frame since then and insists he is stronger than ever. It hasn’t showed thus far. Mustipher had a difficult preseason. While his pass protection was mostly serviceable, he was an outright liability as a run blocker. Nobody is disputing his leadership and work ethic. However, his talent ceiling remains a fair question. He still has a lot to prove this year if he wants to keep that job long-term.

Rodney Adams made the roster…for now

Another really cool story. Adams bounced between rosters a few years ago, chose to retire to pursue acting, un-retired because he missed the game, and has played well enough to make the final roster. There is no question he’s been the most explosive receiver the Bears have had this preseason. He has done enough to earn that spot. That said, a lot of bad has come with the good. Several times Adams had great passes from Fields juggle out of his hands. A sure first down was missed in Nashville because he couldn’t get both feet down. The receiver can best be called streaky. Given how much this coaching staff values consistency? He might not be safe even if he does make the final 53.

Jesper Horsted signals Bears’ unexpected depth at TE

It’s hard to imagine where the Bears were just over a year ago. They had exactly nobody at tight end. Now they have arguably their deepest group seen in years. Jimmy Graham remains a prominent red zone threat. Cole Kmet looks poised to ascend in his second year. Jesse James is a solid veteran who looked sharp in camp and the preseason. Now Horsted re-emerges as a viable threat in the passing game with three TD catches against Tennessee. If a guy like that is your #4 tight end, you’re probably in pretty good shape. A welcome development for a team in need of playmaking assets.

Trevis Gipson is starting to look like a legitimate problem for QBs

It was a surprise when the Chicago Bears traded up in the 2020 draft with Minnesota to grab Gipson. He’d spent his time at Tulsa as a defensive end. Yet they planned to move him to outside linebacker. The team felt he had untapped potential that with a little time could blossom into something more. They are looking pretty smart right now. Gipson was one of the most active pass rushers of the entire preseason, finishing tied for third with 10 total QB pressures. He had a strip-sack against Buffalo and a hit on Titans QB Logan Woodside that led to a pick-six. Another later in the game almost resulted in a second interception. It seems like Gipson is gaining confidence with every snap.

Tre Roberson can play but staying on the field is an issue

Speaking of Roberson, he’s been one of the better cornerbacks the Bears have fielded over the past month. After missing 2020 due to a broken foot, the former CFL star came in with a lot to prove. All things considered, he has looked good. Not only did he allowed just six yards on four passes thrown at him, but he also had the interception for a touchdown and two other pass breakups. Last but not least, he made two strong reads in the running game that resulted in tackles for a loss. This guy can play. Can he stay healthy though? He already had the foot issue. Now Roberson is dealing with a concussion.

Sam Kamara, Charles Snowden, and Caleb Johnson are exciting projects

Ryan Pace has really done a nice job with undrafted free agency over the years. It looks like that heater is poised to continue. With resources being shifted to the offense this offseason, the Chicago Bears decided to focus on defense in undrafted free agency. After three preseason games, it looks like they have three intriguing rookies to develop. Kamara and Snowden combined for 11 pressures and three sacks. Johnson had 11 tackles, three for a loss, two pass breakups, and two tackles on special teams. These young men may not make the final roster, but they are practice squad locks who could become something more given time.

Matt Nagy remains very much under the microscope

The Bears head coach insists he has a good plan in place for this team. Thus far, people aren’t impressed. Not only is his decision to keep Fields benched already under harsh criticism, but the choice to take back play calling already looks like a misguided move on his part. Chicago’s suffered yet another bad start in Tennessee, failing to score any points until right before halftime. This is a recurring theme with Nagy, along with bad penalties and shoddy execution. It never feels like he can get his team into a rhythm. Make no mistake. He has little margin for error this season, especially if the offense continues to struggle.