Highly-touted wide receivers lead the rookies to watch in Bears vs. Bills preseason game
The Chicago Bears are back in action this weekend to take on the Buffalo Bills. Saturday's game will be the preseason opener for the Bills and the second preseason game for the Bears, who are coming off a win last week against the Houston Texans.Unlike last week, both teams are expected to play their starters […]
The Chicago Bears are back in action this weekend to take on the Buffalo Bills. Saturday's game will be the preseason opener for the Bills and the second preseason game for the Bears, who are coming off a win last week against the Houston Texans.
Unlike last week, both teams are expected to play their starters in some capacity in this matchup, giving us a first look at some of the top young rookies entering the NFL.
Leading up to Saturday's game, here are three rookie debuts to watch for both teams.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams
This will be the debut everyone will be glued to this weekend. The Bears will officially be starting first overall pick Caleb Williams against the Bills starting defense this weekend, the only question is how long will he actually stay in the game?
On Thursday, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that the decision will come down to the rhythm and flow of the game. Nevertheless, we'll finally get to see the first overall pick in action after spending the summer learning his new offense.
Everyone inside the Bears locker room and on the coaching staff has been pleased with Williams' progression and command of the offense. Saturday's game will be the next step in that process as he faces a live and hungry defense for the first time.
Rome Odunze
Just like Williams, first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze has caught on fast this offseason learning the team's new offensive scheme and has received high praise from everyone around him.
"He's polished. You don't have to teach him how to play receiver," fellow wide receiver and seasoned vet Keenan Allen said about Odunze earlier this week. "He came in and he knows how to play the game. He was well-coached in college, obviously. All he has to do is learn the offense versus learning how to get lined up, release, and do this. But he already knows how to do that, so give him the play and watch him work."
Odunze might not just be a factor on offense for the Bears on Saturday. The team's head coach also teased that Odunze might get some opportunities to return some punts against the Bills, a skill he's just recently started to add since being drafted.
Tory Taylor
In the preseason opener, Corliss Waitman handled the punting duties to essentially hide rookie punter Tory Taylor from the Texans, whom the team will face in Week 2. Taylor did take the field during a kickoff attempt to hold the ball that kept falling over due to the weather.
On Saturday, however, the Bears special teams weapon should get some opportunities to punt a few balls during the game. The coaching staff believes Taylor could be a legit difference-maker for the team as he's been bombing nukes all summer. His accuracy in placing balls deep inside the 10-yard line has also be impressive during training camp. We'll see if he can make an impact against the Bills.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman
There's no denying that rookie and camp-standout Keon Coleman has been one of the main storylines coming out of Bills camp this summer.
He's consistently linking up with Allen on long touchdown passes, including countless highlight reel catches that showcase his great body control, his ability to win with size, and his vice-grip hands. Getting a look at Coleman against a good Chicago secondary will begin to paint more of a picture as to how ready he is for immediate contributions in this new-look Bills offense.
DeWayne Carter
Blastoise clearly has the coach's eye right now, with Sean McDermott saying yesterday that he "likes the flashes" and that "the lights have come on" recently for Carter.
McDermott also made it clear that the hope for Carter is that he's rotating in as the third or fourth defensive tackle position, meaning he's expected to play meaningful minutes as a rookie. The performance in preseason action won't be the end-all be-all, but it certainly matters. I want to see him be a difference maker.
Ray Davis
When the Bills took Kentucky running back Ray Davis in the fourth round, I rejoiced. We know they have a stud in James Cook, who I'm expecting big things from this year, but Davis gives them a sturdy, explosive, complementary back that could win the RB2 job on this depth chart (and should, in my opinion).
Davis has serious pop and wiggle for a back that's 5'8" 220 pounds, and I'm excited to see how Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady utilizes him both on the ground and through the air in Saturday's matchup.
How to watch and stream the Buffalo Bills-Chicago Bears preseason game on Saturday
Get your popcorn ready.
