Dominating at Soldier Field
The Chicago Bears kicked off their 2026 preseason in dominant fashion, securing a convincing 34-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. While the offense found a rhythm early, the story of the afternoon was a defensive masterclass that featured physical dominance and a flurry of takeaways. Chicago’s depth was on full display as the unit held Cleveland to just 10 points, controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping the Browns' passing attack out of sync for four quarters.
Player Spotlight: Beanie Bishop Jr.
Cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., who signed with Chicago on August 9 after stints in Pittsburgh and New Orleans, solidified his case for a roster spot with a career-defining preseason performance. Bishop electrified the home crowd by recording two interceptions, showcasing the ball-hawking instincts that earned him All-American honors in college. His ability to read the quarterback and jump routes provided the defensive spark the Bears needed, especially as the coaching staff looks for playmakers to solidify the back end of the roster.
Next Man Up: The Rookie Factor
Adding to the secondary’s surge was rookie Malik Muhammad, the team's 2026 fourth-round selection out of Texas. Muhammad demonstrated the sticky man coverage and short-area quickness that made him a standout for the Longhorns, proving he can transition his high-level collegiate skills to the professional level. With veteran safety Coby Bryant currently sidelined by injury, Muhammad has seen an increase in snaps, and his discipline in coverage has quickly moved him up the depth chart during training camp.
Looking Ahead to the 53-Man Cut
Head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles now face difficult decisions as the final roster cutdown approaches. The emergence of Bishop and Muhammad has turned a perceived area of concern into a position of strength, creating a competitive environment that coach Johnson described as "encouraging to see." If these young defensive backs continue to produce turnovers at this rate, the Bears could enter the regular season with one of the most opportunistic and deep secondary units in the NFC North.
