Chicago Bears: 5 Vital 2018 Preseason Facts to Remember
By Erik Lambert
![CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 09: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 09: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3c8c8191d4597e4ae434c76f8c12330f4e61230c34b75dfe0ec974b7b393cfc9.jpg)
James Daniels is 20-years old
Probably the player of the second preseason game in Cincinnati was rookie James Daniels. He came in to replace Cody Whitehair at center in the first half and play two full quarters of action. During that stretch, he was the most dominant offensive lineman on the field. He delivered some big run blocks including the two that led to the Bears’ first touchdown drive and also gave up nothing in pass protection all night.
The insane part of all this is he did it against a nine-year vet in Chris Baker and Daniels is only 20-years old. One of the youngest prospects in the 2018 draft class basically erased a guy who helped the Washington Redskins make the playoffs twice and has lasted almost a decade in the NFL. To think he might not be done growing and maturing while already playing like this? Exciting stuff.