Bears vs. Bengals First Half Takeaways: Kyler Gordon dominates in his return, Caleb Williams scores his first NFL touchdown
The Chicago Bears are once again got off to another strong preseason start in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals.The Bears lead 10-3 at halftime with the defense dominating the Bengals backup offense. At the end of the half, the Bears offense finally came alive finishing with two scoring drives before the intermission. Here […]
The Chicago Bears are once again got off to another strong preseason start in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bears lead 10-3 at halftime with the defense dominating the Bengals backup offense. At the end of the half, the Bears offense finally came alive finishing with two scoring drives before the intermission. Here are the top takeaways of the half.
Kyler Gordon flies all over the field in first game back
After missing the last few weeks of practice after experiencing lower body tightness, slot cornerback Kyler Gordon returned to the field this week at Halas Hall.
Gordon was able to make a handful of good plays during practice, including a pass breakup intended for tight end Gerald Everett thrown by Caleb Williams. Gordon's play on the field gave the team confidence that he could get back on the field after not playing in each of the team's first two preseason games.
His impact was certainly felt during the first half against the Bengals on Saturday playing with the starting offense. Gordon recorded a key sack on a blitz and made multiple open field tackles, including two for a loss. He's a real difference maker for the team's defensive unit and someone they definitely missed having on the field.
First Team offense initially sputters then comes alive
The Williams-led first team offense got some extended work playing five total drives on Saturday but struggled to move the ball early in the game. It was a big difference compared to what was shown on the field during the joint practice on Thursday.
The Bears still had two scoring drives but the unit also had three three-and-outs to open the game. The best play of the first half came from the team's top two draft picks. Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze finally connected for a huge 45-yard completion just before the two-minute warning. A few plays later, Williams was able to avoid the heavy pressure on third-and-goal before scrambling for a 7-yard score.
Running back Khalil Herbert had a few solid runs as well, averaging 6.2 yards per carry in the first half. Odunze is the only other player who had a carry in the first half, turning it into a 16-yard gain.
Tory Taylor shows off the leg
The team's fourth-round punter once again showed that he was worth his high draft choice during the first half. Each of the Bears first three drives ended with a Tory Taylor punt. On those three punts, Taylor averaged 50 yards a punt, including one that was downed on the 12-yard line by Travis Homer.
Based on how strong the defense looked during the first half, we saw how impactful Taylor can really be for the team if the offense is struggling. Through two preseason games, Taylor is now averaging 49.2 yards per punt. Not bad for the rookie.
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A lot to look forward to this weekend.
