Tyson Bagent went 13-19 for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins today. His 77.3 passer rating is a bit deceptive – as he turned around a largely ineffective first couple of series to show poise, accuracy, and arm strength in leading the Chicago Bears in the first half of the game against the Dolphins. I would say he solidified his position as the #2 QB for the Bears this season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many teams in the NFL looked at his tape on Sunday and dreamed of what might be in future seasons.

I think we had all written off Noah Sewell as a bust prior to this preseason, even though he has been a competent special teamer as late as last season. But Sewell flashed early and often in this game – showing speed in coverage and in his run fits as well as rushing ability in the backfield. I had assumed that Hyppoilte was the favorite for strong side linebacker this season, but Sewell made a statement today.

We all should keep in mind that preseason stats are largely meaningless. That said – three sacks in a football game is three sacks in a football game. Add in a forced fumble and 3 tackles for loss, and Austin Booker made a statement in the Bears’ first preseason game. We’ve all heard enough of the Maxx Crosby comparisons, but today at least, Austin Booker lived up to the hype.

It looks like Braxton Jones has the inside advantage on taking the LT position, but it was curious to see Theo Benedet get as many reps as he did in this preseason game. Throw in Trapilo to the mix and I’m not sure the Bears have a current favorite for their starting left tackle position week one. I leave it to you whether it is a positive or negative development.

It is easy to get ahead of oneself watching preseason games, and Ian Wheeler’s reps camp in the fourth quarter of preseason game #1 – that said, I had a vision of the Bears finding their Gibbs / Monty combo in the speedy and elusive Ian Wheeler and the ground and pound game of Kyle Monangai. Monangai looked anything but slow in his reps, and he powered through extra yards in the first half. Wheeler was deprived of a nifty touchdown run by a penalty, but he looked every bit as fast and shifty as he did last preseason before he tore his ACL.

Do you agree or disagree? Sound off in the comment section!