The Chicago Bears squared off against the Houston Texans in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game.
Their tilt was suspended with under four minutes to go and the Bears ahead 21-17 and eventually canceled due to inclement weather. It is the first game of the 2024 preseason and the starters did not play. However, Head Coach Matt Eberflus made it clear that it was a significant opportunity for the active players.
Bears Takeaways From Hall of Fame Game: The Brett Rypien Show
Brett Rypien Steals Show for Bears in Hall of Fame Game
Tyson Bagent got the start for the Bears in the Hall of Fame Game as Eberflus indicated he would after Tuesday?s practice. The former undrafted free agent got one series, completing two of his three passes for 16 yards before handing the reins to 2023 free agent signing Brett Rypien.
Rypien finished with 166 yards and three touchdowns on 73.3% completion, with several of his passes on target but dropped.
Bagent has operated as the primary backup to rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
However, Rypien has experience in Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron?s offense and offers slightly more experience with 10 games under his belt compared to Bagent?s five. Both players are 2-2 as starters in their respective careers.
Bagent is Poles? guy. Rypien could prove he is more than just a camp arm and translator for the playbook with another performance like this game.
Collin Johnson Scores 2 TDs
Reserve wideout Collin Johnson was on the receiving end of two of Rypien?s touchdown passes, racking up 56 yards on three catches. He could have had an even bigger night but dropped a couple of the other looks that came his way. At 6-foot-6, Johnson is the tallest receiver in the Bears? locker room.
He spoke with Clocker Sports about his ability to high-point the football when he first arrived during the 2023 season and about his desire to return at the end of the campaign.
The Bears still need someone with his skill set despite a loaded receiver room, particularly at the top of the depth chart. But their only proven options are DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Rome Odunze is a highly-touted first-round draft pick, but he is still a rookie.
Behind them are second-year man Tyler Scott and 2022 third-rounder Velus Jones Jr.
Things get even shakier after that with the likes of Dante Pettis, DeAndre Carter, Freddie Swain, and Nsimba Webster their most experienced options. Johnson could have a role.
The Collin Johnson game
?: ESPN pic.twitter.com/z3GZ74RlZ3
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 2, 2024
Roschon Johnson Starts Over, Outcarries Khalil Herbert
D?Andre Swift is the Bears? top running back. That much was certain when they gave him a three-year, $24 million contract during 2024 free agency. Behind him, though, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are battling it out.
Herbert was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, i.e. before current Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, assumed the role.
Johnson was a fifth-round pick by Poles in the 2023 draft.
Johnson finished his night with six carries for 24 yards. Herbert finished with 35 yards on his four totes on the night. The duo ceded control of the backfield to recent free agent signing Demetric Felton in the second half.
Herbert is in the final year of his rookie contract. Johnson and Swift are both under contract for multiple seasons beyond 2024.
That more than anything could be the final determining factor in how the RB2 battle plays out.
No Velus Jones Jr. on Kick Returns
The Bears returned four kickoffs and two punts during the contest. Jones was not a part of the action on the night, leaving kick return duties to Scott and undrafted rookie John Jackson.
Bears Special Teams Coordinator Richard Hightower spoke highly of Jones and what he can bring with his combination of size and speed. Jones has likewise touted his ability with the ball in his hands. He is also optimistic about the impact he can have under the new kickoff format.
The most telling aspect of it all could be that the Bears did not play Jones.
The question is what it means for his roster spot with so many options available to handle return duties.
Jones played 49% of the team?s special team?s snaps in 2023, per Pro Football Reference. But he has more rushes (17) than receptions (11) in his two-year career. His usage will be something to monitor going forward this preseason.