Bears Struggle Early but Rally for Preseason Victory Against Chiefs
After a challenging preseason finale at Arrowhead Stadium, Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t hesitate to express his disappointment. In the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the first-team offense of the Chicago Bears struggled to find its rhythm, leaving Johnson feeling that they were “not good enough.”
“Offensively, the first two possessions were really sloppy. This has been a recurring issue throughout our training camp, and unfortunately, it continued tonight,” Johnson stated after the game.
Despite the rough start for the starters, the Bears managed to pull off a thrilling 29-27 victory thanks to their backups. Newly extended quarterback Tyson Bagent led the charge, scoring a walk-off touchdown that capped off an impressive comeback, but the early struggles of the starting lineup raised concerns as the regular season approaches.
Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams faced some setbacks during the game, reminiscent of the challenges he encountered in his rookie year. Meanwhile, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes showcased his elite skills, leading Kansas City’s offense like a seasoned veteran. Mahomes completed 8 of 13 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown during his three series, guiding his team to a quick 17-point lead.
Mahomes opened the game with a masterful eight-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. Even when the Chiefs’ second drive yielded only three points, it still featured an impressive 58-yard connection with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Mahomes capped off his third drive with a touchdown pass to Rashee Rice, establishing a 17-0 advantage for Kansas City.
“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead,” Mahomes shared. “Every rep counts, and it’s all about building trust with the guys. It shows all the hard work we’ve put in during training camp is paying off.”
Despite the confidence exhibited by Mahomes, the Bears were not so fortunate initially. In stark contrast to their previous game against the Buffalo Bills’ backups, the Bears struggled to gain momentum early against the Chiefs’ starting defense. They managed just 22 total yards in their first two drives, making fans uneasy.
Williams faced a rocky start, fumbling on his first play during a jet sweep exchange with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. Following a false start penalty against rookie tight end Colston Loveland, the Bears were forced to punt. Their next drive was met with similar challenges, with Williams holding the ball too long before being tackled by All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones, leading to another punt.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Bears began to find their footing. Williams led the offense more effectively, completing 11 of 15 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown before halftime. His best drive, covering 78 yards, ended in a touchdown, with a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze just before the break. This brief spark gave Bears fans a glimpse of potential despite the earlier struggles.
Although the Bears finished the first half on a positive note, Johnson acknowledged there is still much work to do. “It’s disappointing offensively. I thought we were beyond those early mistakes,” he remarked. “If the first quarter is any indication, we need to improve quickly. Fortunately, we have tape to work with and can coach our guys to ensure we start faster in future games.”
The Bears showed resilience in the second half, erasing a 27-10 deficit and scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter. Under Bagent’s leadership, the offense found its rhythm, culminating in a late touchdown pass to rookie Jahdae Walker. Bagent, who recently signed a significant contract extension worth $10 million, completed 20 of 28 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns.
This comeback not only showcased the depth of the Bears’ roster but also provided a promising outlook as they prepare for the regular season. Bagent’s strong performance highlighted the potential for a competitive Bears team in the upcoming season.
As they get ready to face their regular-season challenges, the Bears will need to refine their execution early in games and build on their late-game successes if they hope to make a significant impact this year.
