Kamari Lassiter set to start at cornerback for the Houston Texans: After impressive performances in training camp, former Georgia Bulldog Kamari Lassiter is set to start alongside Derek Stingley Jr. in the Texans’ secondary.
Chicago Bears’ backup QB battle: Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien are engaged in a fierce competition to secure the backup quarterback spot behind Caleb Williams this season.
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Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game is just hours away — marking the return of NFL football.
To celebrate, let’s delve into the potential matchups to watch when the Chicago Bears face off against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 8 p.m. ET.
The first game of the NFL preseason rarely features key players and starters for long, if at all, and both teams have yet to disclose their plans for player usage. Nevertheless, we will explore intriguing camp battles and potential in-game matchups that could influence final roster decisions.
Key Matchups to Watch in the Bears vs. Texans Hall of Fame Game:
Bears WR Rome Odunze vs. Texans CB Kamari Lassiter
This matchup depends on whether the teams decide to field their projected starters. Both teams have young players expected to play significant roles this season, and we may see them in limited action, though this could be optimistic thinking.
DeMeco Ryans, the Texans’ head coach, has praised Lassiter, and he’s earned positive reports at camp, securing a starting spot in the team’s unofficial depth chart. Lassiter, who excelled in his final season at Georgia, earned an 87.2 coverage grade due to his sharp instincts and anticipation.
Opposite him will be the Bears’ top-10 pick, wide receiver Rome Odunze, who is set to play a major role in the Bears’ offense. Odunze’s explosiveness can stretch defenses, and his play strength enables him to contend through contact. He posted a 95.2 receiving grade on contested targets last season, the highest in the 2024 draft class.
With the offseason departure of defensive tackle Justin Jones, the Bears will look to their 2023 second-round draft pick, Gervon Dexter Sr., to step up and fill the void. Chicago, needing more pressure after finishing 30th in pressure percentage last season, hopes Dexter can step up on the interior defensive line.
Texans G Kenyon Green vs. Bears Pass Rush
To counter the Bears’ defensive push, the Texans will rely on Kenyon Green. After a disappointing rookie season in 2022 and a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the 2023 preseason, Green is back and aiming to prove his worth. Despite entering his third season, Green is just 23 and has received praise from veterans like tackle Tytus Howard. Protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud is crucial, and Green’s improvement could make a significant difference.
Bears’ Backup QB Battle: Tyson Bagent vs. Brett Rypien
This camp competition will determine who secures the backup quarterback position for the Bears. The team has not announced if Caleb Williams will play, though he’s expressed his eagerness to take the field. Observing who the Bears choose as the first option between Bagent and Rypien will be insightful.
Bagent, the incumbent backup, doesn’t have a firm hold on the position under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Last season, Bagent managed just two big-time throws against 11 turnover-worthy plays in his brief time under center.
Rypien, with more experience than Bagent, also needs improvement. Last season with the Rams, Rypien logged 47 dropbacks but recorded no big-time throws and three turnover-worthy plays.
If either player can demonstrate growth, it could fortify the team’s depth and stability at quarterback.