(670 The Score) The Bears finished their preseason undefeated as they took down the Browns, 21-20, on Saturday evening at FirstEnergy Field in Cleveland to cap their exhibition slate at 3-0.
Here are five takeaways from the Bears' preseason finale.
1. Signs of hope
Preseason games don't count in the standings, but each one counts for something. What second-year quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears showcased Saturday should inspire confidence heading into the regular season.
Fields went 14-of-16 for 156 yards and three scores. Chicago had an even 200 yards of offense with Fields on the field, averaging 6.9 yards per play.
Fields' best play of the night came on his 22-yard touchdown strike to veteran tight end Ryan Griffin in the first quarter. Fields waited patiently in the pocket, allowing Griffin's route to develop, then split two defenders in coverage for the score.
After a three-and-out for the Bears on their opening drive, they responded with back-to-back touchdown drives. As the Bears planned, Fields played the majority of the first half, taking 29 snaps for the starting offense.
2. Pettis proves himself
Bears general manager Ryan Poles likely has most of his initial 53-man roster set in pencil, but the exception seems to be at wide receiver, where jobs have yet to be won. Veteran wideout Dante Pettis made a case Saturday to stick on the roster.
Pettis had three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown while also serving as the team's lead punt returner, taking his first return for 20 yards. The Bears were missing receivers N'Keal Harry (ankle), Byron Pringle (quad), Velus Jones Jr. (undisclosed) and Tajae Sharpe (undisclosed).
A four-year NFL veteran, Pettis has just 52 receptions for 739 yards and nine touchdowns in his career. If he can make the roster, he have an increased role in the Bears' plans. Saturday was a step toward that.
3. Winning slot
At the beginning of training camp, it looked like the Bears might rotate rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon between the outside position and nickel. As camp progressed, Gordon's comfort was so clear inside that he's set to start at nickel.
Gordon provided an example of what he can bring to the nickel position on a play early in the second quarter. With the Browns facing a third-and-4, Gordon lined up against tight end David Njoku. He matched him in press coverage, then stayed in line on an out route and dove in for the pass break-up. It was an impact play that helped the Bears force a three-and-out.
With Gordon asserting himself well in the nickel position, the Bears must now decide their plans for the outside cornerback role. Lamar Jackson and Kindle Vildor seem to be vying for that position opposite of third-year starter Jaylon Johnson.
4. Pick me up
At the end of each play for the Bears' offense, there's at least one offensive lineman still running after the whistle, working his way over to the ball-carrier to help him up from the turf.
It's a subtle detail but a sign of respect between teammates, and it's something that has been stressed by coach Matt Eberflus and his staff.
After Fields took a late hit during the first quarter – which was penalized for a personal foul – guard Cody Whitehair, center Sam Mustipher, fullback Khari Blasingame and Griffin each jumped in to the defense their quarterback and helped him up.
During training camp, the Bears haven't had any fights on the practice field. There has been a lot of support in picking teammates up for the next play.
5. Out of action
The Bears intended for star linebacker Roquan Smith to get his first preseason action Saturday, but that didn't happen.
Smith sat out after he felt "some tightness" during pregame workouts, Poles told the television broadcast. Smith was on the sideline but wasn't in uniform.
During his contract hold-in that lasted until Aug. 20, Smith did conditioning work on the side while skipping practice. But soft-tissue injuries are of course a concern when returning to football action after time missed, so the Bears played it safe Saturday as Smith still works back to top shape.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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