Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell (39) defends Miami Dolphins wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (48) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears had plenty to be happy about from their first preseason games. Their rookie class performed really well, headlined by draft picks Luther Burden and Kyle Monangai. Defensive end Austin Booker dominated the entire game with three sacks. Both quarterbacks also led productive scoring drives. However, not everything went their way. No definitive answers came in the left tackle competition. The pass rush outside Booker was mostly inert, and tackling was an issue. Yet the biggest concern didn’t become apparent until after the game.
The Bears are suddenly banged up at cornerback.
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon were already out with leg and hamstring injuries. Zah Frazier hasn’t been present all summer due to a personal issue. Now, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, four other corners left that game on Sunday with ailments. If they’re all significant enough to miss time, it is believed the Bears could be scouring the cornerback market for help.
Keep an eye on the cornerback position with Jaylon Johnson (leg), Kyler Gordon (hamstring), Nick McCloud (unknown), Terell Smith (groin), Ameer Speed (unknown) and Zah Frazier (personal) out or potentially sidelined this week. I’d also note that Tre Flowers played a lot and looked a little banged up at the end of the game.
If there are injuries that are going to take some time, I’d expect some potential roster moves.
Depth at corner was one of the strengths of this team. That should tell you how serious the injury situation is. Sometimes the football gods turn your strength into a weakness.
The Chicago Bears will have a few notable names to consider.
Probably the biggest still available is Asante Samuel Jr., a former 2nd round pick who played well in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he’s probably waiting for a starting job. He won’t find that with the Chicago Bears. Rasul Douglas, Ronald Darby, and Kendall Fuller are some other interesting names out there who have solid track records. Much of this depends on the severity of the injuries for everybody involved. If guys like Gordon and Smith are going to miss extensive time, it makes sense for the Bears to add somebody who can handle significant snaps for a few weeks. Otherwise, they are more likely to pursue younger, cheaper options. We will likely find out within the 48-72 hours as the Bears prepare for their second preseason game.
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
People struggled to understand the thinking. Caleb Williams was learning a completely new offense this year. He’s still a young quarterback. Wouldn’t it make sense to get him some live reps in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins? Even if it’s just one or two series. In the end, head coach Ben Johnson chose not to. Williams and eight other starters didn’t play in the game, while Tyson Bagent started the first half. No satisfying answers surfaced during the game about the reasoning behind the decision.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune finally provided some context. Johnson got the starters together before the game and simulated game situations for an entire hour.
I arrived at the stadium just after 8 a.m. to watch. Caleb Williams was joined by wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift. After an extended stretching period they had a 57-minute workout with Johnson directing the entire operation.
By my count, a total of 87 plays were run. Now, they were routes on air as there were no defensive players on the field. Johnson — and all of the offensive coaches — had a script. Williams would stand next to Johnson, who would give him the play. Then, the quarterback simulated a huddle with the player (only one ran a route on each snap) and gave the play call. They’d break the huddle, go to the line of scrimmage, Williams would simulate pre-snap actions and then the play would be run…
This is not what you’d call normal.
Biggs admitted that he’s never seen a head coach do something like that in his decades-long tenure as a beat writer. It showed how dedicated Johnson was to Williams’ ongoing development. He even explained his reasoning for the approach after the game.
I’ve seen plenty of pregame workouts for starters who were sitting out preseason games in the past. I’ve never seen the head coach running the show for basically an hour. This was hands-on and direct communication from Johnson, the play caller, to Williams…
…“There is no substitute for real live bullets, I get that, but at the same time, when you can accumulate 70-plus reps in a day, that’s pretty good. That goes a long way in terms of where you want to go with the connection with the quarterback and his pass catchers. I wish I could do that every day with him or every other day with him, to be quite frank with you. It was a good time to do it.”
Caleb Williams is in capable hands.
Just because he didn’t suit up for this preseason game doesn’t mean Johnson neglected him. The Bears starter got extensive work in the joint practice on Friday against Miami. Then, the head coach made sure to get him some extra work for an hour before the game. Caleb Williams did not lack for work and preparation once. People might’ve preferred seeing him in the game, but they can’t say he wasn’t prepared. He’ll get his live snaps soon enough. Most likely this weekend against the Buffalo Bills. You can’t say that Johnson doesn’t have a plan. He obviously believes this approach is best for his quarterback. It is why the Bears hired him. His expertise is far superior to that of anybody else in the building and everyone watching at home.
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) on the sidelines against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears tied the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in a preseason matchup. While many starters sat out, there was still plenty to learn from Ben Johnson’s debut as head coach. Here are the main takeaways:
Ben Johnson Isn’t Afraid to Show Emotion
From the start, Johnson’s passion was clear. After the Bears stuffed Miami on a 4th-and-goal in the first quarter, he was caught flexing on the sideline. He wasn’t just celebrating, though—when players made mistakes, he wasn’t afraid to hold them accountable.
Ben Johnson's reaction after the Bears defense stops the Dolphins at the goal line pic.twitter.com/RB8tZSZcya
Burden had a nice afternoon, but his clutch 3rd-and-15 catch was a great example of his football IQ, knowing exactly where to go to move the chains. Johnson praised his performance but noted Burden still has work to do learning the full playbook. After missing time with an injury, he’s putting in the extra effort to catch up.
Loveland barely played, which likely means the Bears view him as a locked-in starter. Once Caleb Williams is throwing him passes instead of Tyson Bagent, his impact should be significant.
Tyson Bagent Shouldn’t Get Comfortable
Bagent’s stat line: 13-of-19 (68.4%), 103 yards (5.4 YPA), 1 TD, 1 INT, long of 17 yards, passer rating of 77.3.
It wasn’t a terrible game, but it wasn’t as clean as expected given his strong camp. He missed a touchdown to Burden, threw a nice scoring pass, but followed it with an interception. He also put Loveland in harm’s way with a dangerous throw on the opening drive. He’s still a solid backup, but improvement is needed.
Kyle Monangai Might Be a Draft Steal
Monangai vs. Miami:
6 carries, 30 yards
19 yards after contact
2 forced missed tackles
5.0 yards per carry
3 first downs
RB2 is absolutely within reach for him.
Kyle Monangai vs. Miami:
🔹6 carries for 30 yards 🔹19 yards gained after contact 🔹2 forced missed tackles 🔹5.0 yards per carry 🔹3 first downs
While Johnson’s decision to rest starters makes sense from a health standpoint, it would’ve been nice to see them get a series or two—especially at home—for the experience. That said, staying healthy is priority number one.
Braxton Jones Is in Trouble
Jones had a chance to solidify the left tackle job but instead struggled.
Jones faced tougher competition and was coming back from injury, but the LT battle is heating up.
Noah Sewell Looks Revitalized
Under Dennis Allen’s new scheme, Sewell was everywhere—4 tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL, and a forced fumble. His role on this defense might be bigger than expected.
Santos nailed a career-long 57-yarder with room to spare. Johnson’s willingness to let him attempt it was a nice change. While another kicker just hit from 70, Santos’ accuracy and newfound leg strength are big positives.
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball around Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Benito Jones (95) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears tied the Miami Dolphins 24–24 in their preseason opener on August 10, 2025. But don’t let the score fool you — this wasn’t a feel-good “we hung with a playoff team” kind of tie. This was one of those games where you walk away with more questions than answers.
Sure, some guys made plays. But today isn’t about them. This is about the five players (or in one case, a whole position group) who torched their stock faster than Soldier Field torches grass in December.
If you’re one of the dwindling few who still thought Tyson Bagent might be a solid, dependable backup for Caleb Williams, Saturday’s game was your bucket of cold reality.
The box score looks fine. Hell, if you didn’t watch, you’d probably think, “Eh, not bad for a preseason QB.” But the actual tape? Oof. This was like reading a good movie review and then walking into the theater only to realize it’s a two-hour remake of Cats.
Bagent opened the game with the kind of energy that makes offensive coordinators slam their clipboards — sailing a ball over Luther Burden III’s head on a simple conversion, then nearly gifting Miami an interception. By the end of the first quarter, the Bears had racked up exactly zero first downs under his command. Two straight three-and-outs to kick things off. That’s not rust, that’s corrosion.
And the decision-making… lord. Missing a wide-open Burden in the end zone to check it down for nothing is the kind of play that gets you the “game manager” label, but not in a good way. More like the “managing to kill drives” kind.
The lowlight? A deflected interception in the two-minute drill. Yes, the ball got tipped, but it was on him for forcing it into coverage. That’s the kind of mistake you can’t afford from a No. 2 QB — especially in a year where Caleb Williams will already be under a microscope.
Bagent didn’t just struggle; he made it painfully obvious why analysts rank him as one of the league’s worst backups. If Caleb misses time, the Bears’ season would be over before the emergency kicker even found his helmet.
If this was Jones’ audition to lock down Caleb Williams’ blind side for another year, he flubbed his lines and tripped over the stage lights.
On a critical fourth-and-goal during the Bears’ touchdown drive, Jones whiffed on his block so badly you’d think he was allergic to contact. Bagent somehow bailed him out with a quick throw, but it was the kind of play that makes coaches grind their teeth.
The Dolphins weren’t even throwing their A-team at him — Jones was getting worked over by backups and rotational guys. Poor hand placement, slow feet, and a tendency to lunge instead of setting a base.
Here’s the problem: he’s not just competing against the defense. He’s competing against Ozzy Trapilo, who’s been turning heads in camp and, according to reports, looked steadier in his snaps. Jones is in his fourth year. This is the point where you should be peaking, not regressing. Instead, he looked like a guy hoping to coast on past starts.
Protecting a rookie QB is one of the highest-leverage jobs in football. On Saturday, Jones looked like he needed protection from his own blocking assignments.
You know the preseason rule for bubble players — make them remember your name. Richardson’s problem? He made it way too easy to forget.
One seven-yard punt return. Zero meaningful contributions on offense. His routes were uninspired, and when he did get snaps, he failed to separate. That’s fatal when guys like Jahdae Walker (41 yards, 1 TD) and Luther Burden III (29 yards) are flashing every time they’re targeted.
For an undrafted player, every snap is a résumé entry. You don’t get many shots to prove you belong. Richardson’s performance felt more like a “thanks for coming in, we’ll keep your application on file.”
If you’re fighting for the WR6 spot or a special teams role, you have to either pop on tape or dominate your assignment. He did neither. The fact that his only stat line highlight was a punt return that wouldn’t even make a USFL reel is… not promising.
Calling this group a “loser” feels almost generous. This was a five-alarm dumpster fire in the middle of Soldier Field.
Luke Newman looked lost from the first snap. Multiple plays where he got “blown up” — as in, shoved back into the quarterback’s lap before Bagent even set his feet. He left with a concussion, which is unfortunate, but the reality is his technique was putting him in danger all night.
Ryan Bates wasn’t much better, failing to anchor and getting caught flat-footed on stunts. Chris Glazer? Looked like a camp body trying to survive. The trio’s lack of cohesion meant Miami’s backups were living in the backfield.
This is where it gets scary: the Bears’ O-line depth has been an issue for years. These guys aren’t just playing for roster spots — they’re auditioning for roles where they might be one rolled ankle away from starting. If this game is the sample, Caleb Williams better start practicing his spin moves.
5. Major Burns (Safety)
Burns had the kind of night that makes you want to delete the game film.
Missed a tackle he should’ve made in his sleep — perfect angle, help coming, and somehow the runner still got away. That’s bad enough in a regular game; in the preseason, when your job is literally to show you can execute fundamentals, it’s a nightmare.
Then came the injury. Burns left with a knee issue and didn’t return. In a bubble battle for safety depth, the worst combo is bad tape followed by being unavailable.
The Bears have been hunting for reliable safety depth behind their starters. Burns had a golden chance to stake his claim and instead handed the coaches a reason to move on.
Final Verdict
The Bears didn’t lose this game on the scoreboard, but several players lost ground in the fight for roster spots, starting jobs, or even NFL futures. Preseason can be forgiving — there’s room to bounce back. But for these five, the hole just got a lot deeper.
Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the sidelines against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Ben Johnson got his first taste of head coaching in the Chicago Bears‘ preseason opener against Miami. Everybody knew the 38-year-old was one of the best offensive minds in the league. What they waited to see was whether he could handle the other duties like personnel usage, clock management, and in-game decisions that gave his team a better chance to win. By all accounts, Johnson handled things well. There were no glaring mistakes, and the Bears ran a smooth operation outside of your typical mistakes like penalties and such.
However, one sequence provided evidence that the team upgraded from Matt Eberflus.
It came at the end of the first half. Miami had the ball with ten seconds left. Zacch Pickens sacked quarterback Zach Wilson. Since it was within the final two minutes, the clock stopped. There were six seconds left. Chicago had the ball at their own 48-yard line. The problem was that Tyson Bagent didn’t have the arm for a Hail Mary, and they were out of field goal range. Eberflus almost certainly would’ve just taken a knee in that situation.
Not Johnson.
He stayed aggressive, calling a quick crossing route to Luther Burden, who used his speed to just barely reach the sideline after picking up 13 yards, preserving one second on the clock. Cairo Santos then connected on the 57-yard field goal.
Ben Johnson trusted his players and was rewarded.
Taking a knee was the safe thing to do in that situation. You didn’t risk a turnover or a player getting injured on a low-probability chance to score. Ben Johnson said screw that. He would stay aggressive as long as there was time on the clock. He trusted Bagent to get the ball out fast and Burden to have the presence of mind to sprint for the sideline after getting as much yardage as possible. Keep in mind, one guy was a backup QB with limited playing experience, and the other was a rookie receiver. Yet they executed it like ten-year vets. That speaks to Johnson’s coaching, showing they were prepared for that situation. The field goal ended up being crucial to preserving a 24-24 tie. While only a small victory, it was the first sign that the Bears finally have somebody in charge who knows what he’s doing.
Ryan Poles gets plenty of grief from Chicago Bears fans for the team’s lack of success over the past three years. That is understandable. You don’t get credit if you don’t win. That said, evidence suggests the GM has done a favorable job filling out the roster with young talent. The 2025 draft class was the next step in that process. He needs at least a couple of members from the group to contribute right away. Based on the preseason opener against Miami, he should be encouraged.
While the Bears didn’t win the game, multiple draft picks made meaningful plays in the 24-24 tie. It started with Luther Burden. He may have only had two catches, but both were significant. One was a 16-yard gain on 3rd and 15. The other was a 13-yard gain before sneaking out of bounds with one second on the clock to preserve a 57-yard field goal attempt, which was good. He also got wide open for a touchdown, but the ball wasn’t thrown to him.
With Roschon Johnson out, the 7th round pick carried the load admirably in the first half, collecting 30 yards on six carries with several of them after contact. Ruben Hyppolite led the team with six tackles in the game, including one for a loss. There were no glaring mistakes from 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo during his time at left tackle. Undrafted free agent Jahdae Walker also had a touchdown catch.
Ryan Poles may have finally energized the offense.
Through his first two drafts, his most impactful picks resided on the defensive side with Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Gervon Dexter, and Tyrique Stevenson. It was hoped Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze might balance the scales when they arrived in 2024. While each had good moments last year, it didn’t change the status quo. For the first time, it feels like the Bears have added not one, not two, but three potential playmakers in one draft. Burden and Monangai were big factors in their limited snaps. Nobody talked about tight end Colston Loveland, who only got to play one series before he was stashed on the sideline. These guys can play, and Ryan Poles was responsible for acquiring all of them. If this pans out as hoped, people may look back on the 2025 class as a turning point.
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Bears didn’t win, they didn’t lose, and honestly, they probably don’t care. But if you watched that 24–24 preseason tie against the Dolphins and didn’t come away buzzing about a few guys, you either weren’t paying attention or you were too busy waiting in line for overpriced beer.
Ben Johnson’s Soldier Field debut didn’t give us a W, but it did give us a handful of players who looked ready to punch someone in the mouth for a roster spot — and maybe even for a starting role.
Here are the five guys who left their cleat marks all over this game.
Let’s get this out of the way: Austin Booker was not just “good” — he was a one-man demolition crew. Three sacks, three tackles for loss, four QB hits, and a forced fumble that flipped the game on its head. I don’t care that it’s preseason — that’s production no matter who’s on the other side.
The strip sack on Quinn Ewers inside Miami’s 5-yard line was pure filth. Booker went from zero to “oh God, someone block him” in about a second, ripped the ball loose, and watched Power Echols scoop it up like it was gift-wrapped. Two plays later, Case Keenum hit Deion Hankins for six, and the Bears had life.
The best part? Each sack came with a different move. Bull rush for one, spin move for another, straight-up overpowering a tackle for the third. That’s not a fluke — that’s a bag of tricks.
Ben Johnson called him a “menace” afterward, which is coach-speak for “yeah, this guy’s making my final 53 and probably wrecking lives in Week 1.” Booker’s still only 22, has bulked up this offseason, and is shaping up to be the ideal No. 3 edge behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
Every defense needs that linebacker who treats the end zone like sacred ground. Noah Sewell played that role to perfection on Miami’s first drive. Fourth-and-goal from the 1. Jaylen Wright gets the handoff. Sewell comes screaming through the gap and buries him for a three-yard loss. That’s not a tackle — that’s an eviction notice.
Sewell finished with six tackles (tied for team lead), a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble. More importantly, he looked comfortable in Dennis Allen’s downhill, attack-first scheme. This isn’t the guy we saw stuck on special teams the past two years. This is the guy Oregon fans swore could be a thumper at the next level.
With the way he played, Sewell’s not just fighting for the third linebacker spot — he’s putting real pressure on the guys in front of him. That goal-line stand? That’s tape you put on a loop in the linebacker room.
Tyson Bagent’s first half had some nice moments but also a few “yikes” throws. Then Case Keenum came in and basically said, “Relax, kids, this is how it’s done.”
8-for-10, 80 yards, two touchdowns, 139.6 passer rating. That’s surgical, even if it was against backups. His 15-yard fade to Jahdae Walker was vintage Keenum — drop it right in the bucket where only your guy can grab it. His other TD to Deion Hankins came after he spun away from pressure and delivered on the run like a guy who’s been doing this for over a decade.
You can tell why the Bears wanted him — not just to hold a clipboard for Caleb Williams, but to be that calm, reliable QB who can step in if disaster strikes. If this is a competition for QB2, Keenum just pulled ahead.
Two catches, 29 yards, and a whole lot of promise. Luther Burden III didn’t have a monster stat line, but he showed exactly why the Bears took him in the second round.
His first grab — a third-and-15 conversion from Bagent — was all about crisp route running and finding the soft spot in coverage. Later, with the half winding down, he hauled in a 13-yarder, got out of bounds, and set up Cairo Santos for a 57-yard bomb. That’s heads-up football most rookies don’t make in their first game.
Burden has the quickness to live in the slot and the strength to fight through contact. And let’s be real — with Keenan Allen gone, the Bears need someone to fill that void. Burden looks ready to start making that case.
5. Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos has been “Mr. Reliable” for years, but not really “Mr. Long Range.” That might be changing.
As time expired in the first half, Santos drilled a 57-yard field goal that would’ve been good from 60. That’s two yards beyond his career long. For a guy who’s been questioned on his leg strength, that was a mic-drop moment.
Yeah, Jonathan Kim kicked in the second half, but unless Santos starts missing chip shots, this job isn’t up for grabs. And if he’s now a legit threat from 55+, Ben Johnson just added a new weapon for crunch time.
Kyle Monangai made an impressive NFL debut, demonstrating the physical running style and vision that made him a standout at Rutgers despite falling to the seventh round. The rookie running back led the Bears in rushing with 30 yards on six carries, averaging 5.0 yards per carry while showcasing his ability to break tackles and pick up yards after contact.
His most impressive carry came on a 13-yard run where he muscled through a tackle and displayed his signature cutback ability and vision. Ben Johnson praised the rookie’s effort, saying, “I thought Kyle ran super hard when the ball was in his hands.” The former Rutgers star nearly scored his first NFL touchdown, powering to the 2-yard line before being stopped short.
While his pass protection still needs work, Monangai seized his opportunity with D’Andre Swift resting and Roschon Johnson sidelined, showing he can be a physical, between-the-tackles runner in this offense.
Final Verdict
It’s preseason, sure. But this wasn’t just a bunch of guys running vanilla plays and avoiding injuries. Booker looked like a problem, Sewell like a roster lock, Keenum like the perfect safety net, Burden like the future in the slot, Santos like a kicker with a little extra juice, and Monangai like a rookie who’s hungry to carve out a role.
The Bears still have holes, but these guys? They’re the kind of players who can turn a “meh” roster into a “we’re in every game” roster.
The Chicago Bears‘ preseason opener was fun, and despite its 24-24 conclusion, there were plenty of positive developments. Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Kyle Monangai all had exciting debuts. Loveland looks athletic and fast. Burden had a huge 3rd down conversion and set up a last-second field goal in the first half. Monangai averaged five yards per carry and broke what felt like dozens of tackles. However, the real star of the afternoon by a wide margin was Austin Booker.
Concerns have remained high about the Bears’ pass rush. Outside of Montez Sweat, they don’t really have anybody on the edge who can win with speed. Dayo Odeyingbo is more of a power player, which is why the Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson trade speculation has remained prevalent. Booker may have changed that thinking as he dominated the Dolphins, collecting three sacks, a forced fumble, and four quarterback hits. His pressures also led to at least one other sack by Dominique Robinson.
In the previous preseason, his sacks mostly came from effort. It was significantly different this time. Austin Booker has learned how to weaponize his length and quickness, consistently beating blockers. What really stood out was his power. His most decisive moment of the game, the strip-sack, came after bulldozing Miami’s left tackle into the dirt. He didn’t have that club in his bag last season. Throwing around 300-pound linemen is not a common occurrence.
Most considered him too thin coming out of college. He has clearly put on some muscle in the past few months and used it to great effect. Head coach Ben Johnson called him a “menace” after the game. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sees a bright future for him, stating the only issue is consistency. Once he gets there, he’ll be a good player.
Austin Booker showed flashes of that all game long on Sunday. If this is who the Bears get for the entire season, their pass rush will be a much different animal than what opponents were expecting.
Since he was drafted in 2022, Braxton Jones has remained the unquestioned left tackle for the Chicago Bears. He’d earned that right as a former 5th round pick who’d played his way onto the field. However, his good fortune took a turn last season when he broke his tibia, forcing him to miss the rest of the year. People feared he might not be ready for training camp. Matters were made worse when the Bears selected Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round of the draft. Suddenly, that left tackle job felt up for grabs.
To his credit, Jones recovered in time for camp. He, Trapilo, and Kiran Amegadjie spent the next two weeks rotating reps with the first team. When Jones got the nod to start the preseason opener against Miami, it felt like a sign that maybe he might survive after all. Unfortunately, it wasn’t his greatest showing. Chicago stalled on multiple drives. When they finally scored in the 2nd quarter, it was done largely despite Jones, who had one of the ugliest whiff blocks in recent memory on Tyson Bagent‘s touchdown throw.
Braxton Jones could not afford a highlight like that.
Remember, head coach Ben Johnson has said he will give the starting job to whomever he trusts the most as a pass protector. When you allow a backup defender to completely punk you like that, it won’t go unnoticed by this staff. It was an inexcusable blown assignment. Braxton Jones has insisted he’s healthy. If he was telling the truth, then that mistake is entirely his fault. Getting beaten to the outside is one thing. Inside is something good left tackles never allow. While the competition is likely not over yet, that moment will surely stick in the minds of Johnson and offensive line coach Dan Roushar as they work towards a final decision. If Trapilo delivers a clean performance to go with his strong camp, it will be an easy one.
