True to form, it’s always the defense that provides the sparks for the Chicago Bears. After another listless 1st quarter from the offense, the defense took matters into their own hands. Halfway through the 2nd quarter, the Tennessee Titans faced a 3rd and 11. Trevis Gipson, the Bears’ 5th round pick from 2020, blew past his blocker and right into the face of quarterback Logan Woodside. This led to an erratic throw that cornerback Tre Roberson easily intercepted.

A few seconds later he was in the end zone. It marked the latest in a string of good plays for Gipson who was around the quarterback a lot in the first half. This after a strong performance last week against Buffalo. If there were any lingering doubts about if he’d make the roster, he emphatically put them to bed in the past seven days. He suddenly looks like a quality rotational pass rusher the Bears were hoping for.

This is a big development.

The Bears traded up for Gipson in the 2020 draft. They saw somebody that with a little time to remake his body could become a genuine outside linebacker in their system. He looked solid in training camp and after a somewhat uneven preseason opener has haunted quarterbacks since last week. If this trajectory continues, he has a chance to see some serious snaps going into this season. Something the Bears would welcome as they try to manage the older Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.

Together with Jeremiah Attaochu, the Bears might have some solid depth at outside linebacker. It’s also a great moment for Roberson as he’s trying to make a push onto the roster. Something he didn’t get a chance to do because of injury last year. Given how uncertain the Bears are at cornerback? Plays like that will definitely help.