Bears defensive end Trevis Gipson is a surprise roster bubble player this summer, and he responded with an impressive preseason opener against the Titans.
Gipson played list a man fighting for his job, wreaking havoc on Tennessee’s offensive line and generating consistent pressure on quarterbacks Malik Willis and Will Levis. Gipson totaled five tackles, one sack and three quarterback hits, where he was among the standout players in Chicago’s 23-17 win.
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar has also been impressed with what he’s seen from Gipson, especially coming out of Saturday’s game against the Titans. Farrar named Gipson one of his “Secret Superstars” from the first week of the preseason.
There’s been a lot of legitimate concern about the Bears’ edge-rushing depth, though the recent signing of veteran Yannick Ngakoue should help. But maybe it’s Gipson’s turn to turn things up in Chicago’s defense. The fifth-round pick in 2020 out of Tulsa already did that once before, with an unexpected 10-sack season in 2021. Gipson’s sack total dropped to three in 2022, though his total pressures increased from 27 to 30.
Based on what he did to the Titans’ offensive tackles on Saturday, a serious second breakout might be imminent. Gipson had a sack, a quarterback hit, and six quarterback hurries, and he got there from both sides with several different techniques.
Gipson can also bull-rush you into Bolivion. He had a surprise 10-sack season in 2021; maybe a second breakout is imminent? The addition of Yannick Ngakoue should help. pic.twitter.com/EOKTzACdim
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 13, 2023
Gipson will need strong performances in the final two weeks of the preseason to secure a coveted spot on the 53-man roster. The defensive line room is a crowded one, especially with the addition of Yannick Ngakoue. So Gipson could very well be competing with Terrell Lewis, who’s been flashing all summer, for one of those final spots.
