Week One Preseason Analysis: Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins
The opening week of the NFL preseason consistently presents a compelling landscape for evaluation—highlighting which players are starting, who is sidelined, and who may ultimately secure a roster spot for the regular season.
In the case of the Chicago Bears, their offensive unit exhibited a disconcerting resemblance to last season’s performance, struggling to establish momentum and producing consecutive three-and-out drives. It is important to note that several key starters were absent, most notably second year quarterback Caleb Williams, who did not participate in the game.
Defensively, the Bears demonstrated a resilient “bend-but-don’t-break” philosophy, culminating in a pivotal fourth-down stand at the goal line in the first half. Linebacker Noah Sewell, a fifth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, delivered an exceptional performance during that series. His dynamic presence—marked by aggressive pursuit and decisive tackling—was instrumental in halting the Dolphins‘ scoring attempt. This outing was Sewell’s most impactful showing in a Bears uniform to date.
Another defensive standout was edge rusher Austin Booker, a fifth-round pick in 2024 NFL Draft. Booker recorded three sacks, including a massive strip sack of quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Dolphins 3rd string rookie, which dramatically shifted field position and set up a first-and-goal opportunity that the Bears capitalized on by scoring a touchdown. His disruptive playmaking ability was a highlight of the defensive effort.
On the offensive side, veteran quarterback Case Keenum provided a stabilizing presence. His command of the offense was evident as he threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score in the second half. Keenum completed 8 of 10 passes for 80 yards, achieving an impressive passer rating of 139.6.
In contrast, Tyson Bagent, who started the game, posted a stat line of 13 completions on 19 attempts for 103 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and two sacks. Bagent’s performance was competent, though not particularly remarkable. He appears to be a viable option as a backup quarterback, but Keenum’s efficient and assertive play has intensified the competition for the QB2 role behind Caleb Williams.
Week Two Preseason Analysis: Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills
Looking ahead to Week Two of the preseason, the Bears will host the Buffalo Bills, led by reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen. A joint practice took place August 15th, which should offer valuable insights into the Bears’ offensive cohesion under Williams and the defensive unit’s readiness against elite competition. Both teams are expected to start their franchise quarterbacks in Sunday night’s matchup, making this contest a meaningful barometer for early-season potential.
Caleb Williams, who sat out Week One, is slated to make his preseason debut. Head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that the Bears’ starters will play, though the extent of their participation remains uncertain. Williams has reportedly taken 80–100 extra reps in practice to prepare for this outing, and this game will serve as his first live-action test in Johnson’s offensive system. Given the scrutiny surrounding his development and the pressure from fans, this performance could be pivotal in shaping early-season expectations.
On the other side, Josh Allen’s status remains less definitive. While Allen has expressed confidence in his readiness and emphasized the value of joint practices, head coach Sean McDermott has not confirmed whether Allen will take the field. If he does play, it will likely be limited to a few series. Regardless, the Bills’ offensive depth—including Mitchell Trubisky, who had a strong Week One showing—poses a significant challenge for Chicago’s secondary, which is currently dealing with injuries to key players like Jaylon Johnson and Shaun Wade.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Caleb Williams vs. Buffalo’s Defensive Front: How well Williams handles pressure and executes under game conditions will be a major storyline.
- Bears’ Offensive Line vs. Bills’ Pass Rush: Improvement in the trenches is essential for Chicago’s success this season.
- Chicago’s Secondary vs. Buffalo’s Receiving Corps: With injuries thinning the Bears’ defensive backfield, this could be a vulnerability the Bills exploit.
This isn’t just another preseason game—it’s a chance to prove that the Bears are building something special. If they can hold their own against a team like the Bills, it’ll be hard not to believe that big things are on the horizon in Chicago.
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