Depth Matters: A Pair of Backups Get High Marks Against the Bengals

Given that the Chicago Bears’ roster construction has been seriously tested by injuries in recent years, there’s hope that the 2018 preseason could return some quality depth pieces moving forward. In fact, it’s pretty necessary.

But the good news is that potential depth was on display during last week’s showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. A pair of players who represent what could be perceived as some newfound depth on the Chicago Bears showed up on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for Preseason Week 1, which could mean nothing or something depending on how you want to look at it. Let’s see if you’re in a good mood or not.

Outside linebacker Kasim Edebali was the team’s highest-graded edge defender by PFF’s standards during the first wave of league-wide preseason games. Edebali earned himself a 92.3 grade in his 40 snaps against the Bengals. He came up with two defensive stops, three quarterback hurries, and a quarterback hit. And while Edebali put up an impressive showing against Cincinnati’s reserves, it’s worth noting that he has some notable NFL experience and could be someone worth keeping an eye on as the preseason rolls on.

The Bears signed Edebali in June with the idea of rounding out a group of outside linebackers that was short on depth and experience. He has 61 games of NFL experience, including a 16-game stint in 2014 with the New Orleans Saints – where Bears GM Ryan Pace probably took a good first look at the 6-foot-2, 253-pound Boston College product. Chicago could certainly continue to give Edebali an extended look for as long as Aaron Lynch remains sidelined. The Bears have yet to see Lynch take the field and his practice time throughout the offseason has been limited due to injuries.

Right guard Will Pericak was PFF’s highest-graded interior lineman during Week 1 of the preseason, which could be viewed as a positive sign considering the issues the Bears had finding quality reserve linemen during an injury-plagued 2017. Pericak played 64 snaps and earned a 92.4 run-blocking grade, as he helped clear the way for Ryan Nall’s strong showing against Cincinnati’s second unit. Eight different Bears linemen played at least 250 snaps last season, so coming up with some solid depth among the reserves should be a high priority for Offensive Line Coach Harry Hiestand and the team as a whole.

Pericak spent a chunk of the 2017 season on the Bears’ practice squad and has spent time on seven different teams over the last six years. As PFF’s Michael Renner notes, Pericak is in journeyman territory. But perhaps a few more strong showings like the one against the Bengals could help solidify a spot among the Bears’ reserves.

Preseason wins and losses are essentially meaningless. And while preseason PFF grades probably don’t give us a ton of long-term value, it’s not bad to see players wearing Bears uniforms play well … even if it is against backups.

We should let these grades serve as a reminder to keep our minds open about what’s happening on the bottom half of the roster. A lack of depth has hurt the Bears in the past, so worthy fill-ins potentially coming out of the preseason is something worth keeping an eye on as thing proceed over the next three games.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

Padres vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The San Francisco Giants (0-1), led by Jorge Soler, visit Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

The St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), led by Paul Goldschmidt, visit Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Los Angeles take on St. Louis.When...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, the New York Yankees (1-0) play Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch...

Rays vs. Blue Jays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

At Tropicana Field on Friday, Aaron Civale versus Chris Bassitt will be the pitching matchup when the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) play the Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), starting at 6:50 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

more bears news