PREVIEW: 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game – What To Watch Tonight
Football is back, the NFL is back, and most importantly, the Bears are back. Although it is only a preseason game, the idea of live-action football can excite many fans.
The Bears are set to battle the Houston Texans tonight in Canton, Ohio, for the NFL’s Annual Hall of Fame Game.
At the time of writing, the only known information is that the majority of starters for both squads are not going to play. Young guys and veterans looking to make a roster will have a chance to show the staff they have what it takes to play on Sundays.
Here are four positions I am watching tonight.
Running Backs
D’Andre Swift is the clear-cut starter here and is not expected to suit up tonight.
The real battles are for the RB2 and RB4 positions at this moment. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson should both receive some opportunities tonight as they actively compete for the spot behind Swift.
The RB4 battle consists of veteran Travis Homer and UDFA Ian Wheeler. Homer should have a better shot at winning this battle, but Wheeler will definitely show off his athleticism tonight if given the chance.
Most of the buzz coming from the running back room concerns Herbert and his future status with the team. Many believe he is a cut-or-trade candidate this summer, but he is a Bear tonight.
Defensive Ends
This is a little more tricky than the running backs. Montez Sweat will not play, but there are questions about who will line up opposite him. As of right now, DeMarcus Walker is the likely man for the job. However, he may not see the field tonight as he is technically a starter. This opens the door for Jacob Martin, Daniel Hardy, and Khalid Kareem to receive ample playing time today to potentially make a push for Walker’s spot.
Bears fans are excited to see what rookie Austin Booker can bring to the table tonight. Both he and Dominique Robinson could be splitting reps on the right edge today. If Booker can develop into a solid backup to Sweat, that would be a win in my book. It does appear Robinson is Sweat’s main backup as of right now.
Similar to the running back room, there are rumors flying about this defensive end group. The Bears have been working out free-agent edge rushers this summer, and fans are prying the team to make a move. I am all for picking up an extra edge rusher to spice up the competition, as it should only help each player grow.
Quarterbacks
The Caleb Williams premiere will have to wait, as he is not playing today.
Tyson Bagent will start the game, while Brett Rypien and Austin Reed should receive solid reps as well. Right now, Bagent is the clear-cut QB2 behind Williams. However, both Rypien and Reed should give Bagent good competition.
I am excited to see what the UDFA Reed can do on the NFL field. He had a record-breaking passing career at Western Kentucky and will have the same mentality and edge Bagent carried last season.
Kick and Punt Returners
The Bears have a plethora of guys who could return kicks, including Velus Jones, DeAndre Carter, Dante Pettis, Rome Odunze, and Trent Taylor. It seems Jones and Carter are likely to win the jobs, but Taylor is the wildcard. Recently signed, Taylor has the most experience as a returner. However, he does have ground to make up before he can earn the starting role.
As fun as it may be, I highly doubt Eberflus will ever put Odunze back as a returner. This is due to injury potential and the number of options the Bears already have in the return game.
Hopefully, Jones or Carter will receive some return opportunities tonight, but expect a mix with Taylor and, potentially, Pettis.
PHOTO: Chicago Bears
Discover more from Chicago Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.