Chicago Bears: Three winners from preseason opener

Former 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker has the potential to be a force in Dennis Allen’s defense. The former Kansas Jayhawk was on fire during Sunday’s game. Booker finished the game with three sacks, six tackles, a forced fumble, and four quarterback hits.

His forced fumble on Miami’s three-yard line led to a Bears touchdown. With a heck of a performance on Sunday, Booker could potentially become a breakout candidate for the 2025 season.

Noah Sewell stood out in the first half of the game

Three-year linebacker Noah Sewell was all over the field during the first half of the game. In particular, he made one of the best plays of the game. During the first quarter, Sewell stopped Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a tackle for loss on a fourth and goal play from the four yard line.

Sewell ended the game with 6 total tackles and also forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter. It seems the three-year linebacker is finally beginning to find his footing after struggling under Matt Eberflus’ system. Dennis Allen’s scheme is a great fit for the former Oregon Duck.

Sewell is competing with Ruben Hypolite for the third linebacker position, and it seems he is the frontrunner for that spot.

Kyle Monangai could be an absolute steal for the Bears

The Bears drafted Monangai in the seventh round of this years draft. Many were surprised that Chicago took a running back that late, expecting them to draft one earlier or sign a top free agent. Monangai has had an impressive training camp and he was an instant standout during Sunday’s game.

The rookie showed fast quickness and fought hard for extra yards. He only had 6 carries for 30 yards, but was impressive with his vision and his quick play making ability. Monangai definitely has a shot to get meaningful reps during the 2025 season. Personally, I think he can beat Roschon Johnson for the RB2 position.