One of the most exciting topics of the previous month for the Chicago Bears was the development of second-year outside linebacker Trevis Gipson. They were high on him coming out of Tulsa last season. Enough to execute a trade with the division rival Minnesota Vikings to get him. He didn’t do much as a rookie, mostly because he was shifting positions. So there were expectations coming into 2021.
He had himself a tremendous preseason, leading most of the NFL in both pressures and sacks. It was the sort of performance that gave many people pause. Perhaps the Bears would be wise to get him more game action moving forward. Then, in classic fashion with this coaching staff, he was a healthy scratch the first two weeks. Not until the game in Cleveland against the Browns did he finally get on the field.
Wouldn’t you know it? The guy made an impact.
All told, Gipson played eight pass rush snaps against the Browns. In that sequence, he produced two pressures on Baker Mayfield and added a pass deflection as well. He also had a stop for no gain on a run play as well. For somebody who was stuck playing behind Robert Quinn and Jeremiah Attaochu? Gipson certainly did a lot with a little on Sunday. Enough to urge the Bears to give him more opportunities moving forward.
Unfortunately for him, there isn’t much room. That is because Quinn and Khalil Mack have dominated to start the year. They’ve combined for six sacks and 17 pressures through the first three games. Against some pretty good offensive lines too. As long as they stay healthy, the Bears will continue to play them. That makes it tough for somebody like Gipson to get opportunities.
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Trevis Gipson certainly looks like the future
The way this season is going? It is a safe bet the Bears might be looking to clear money off the books and collecting draft picks. So perhaps Mack and Quinn, both of whom are in their 30s, might be out of the picture by next offseason. This would pop the window wide open for Gipson to get a proper shot to play. There isn’t much left he can do. He changed positions, had a great training camp, and then a great preseason.
There is only one step remaining for Trevis Gipson. Giving him a legitimate spot in the pass rush rotation. Perhaps Sunday in Cleveland was a step in that direction. If he turns out to be good? Then that makes the second defender from the 2020 class that would look like a legitimate player along with Jaylon Johnson.
A great turn of events for a defense that is getting old in key spots.
Johnson and Roquan Smith already look like future stalwarts. Bilal Nichols has been solid. Gipson has enough talent to be in that conversation. He just hasn’t been able to show people yet. It feels like that time is coming though. The nature of the NFL says he’ll get serious playing time at some point. He must make sure not to waste it when it comes.