In a compelling preseason matchup, the Chicago Bears secured a decisive 24-15 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The game highlighted exceptional performances, particularly from Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas. Their early 97-yard touchdown set the tone, demonstrating the depth and potential of the Bears' roster, even with many key starters resting.
The Titans, on the other hand, relied heavily on their kicker, Joey Slye, who successfully converted three field goals, including an impressive 56-yard attempt. Despite their efforts, the Titans struggled to find the end zone until late in the game. This encounter provided valuable evaluation opportunities for both teams as they prepared for the upcoming NFL season, showcasing both promising new talent and the strategic decisions of their coaching staffs.
Bears' Offensive Explosions and Rookie Revelations
The Chicago Bears' preseason clash against the Tennessee Titans was marked by an explosive offensive display, particularly from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas. Their 97-yard touchdown connection on the very first play ignited the Bears' performance, setting a high tempo for the game. Thomas, making his preseason debut, proved to be an instant impact player, amassing 140 receiving yards on five catches and adding a notable 39-yard punt return. Bagent's near-flawless passing, completing 16 of 17 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns, underscored his efficiency and command of the offense. Even a minor fumbled run play couldn't overshadow his stellar performance, as the Bears, primarily utilizing their reserve squad, demonstrated significant offensive prowess.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred early in the first quarter when, from their own 3-yard line, Bagent executed a deep pass from the end zone to Thomas. The Titans' defense momentarily hesitated, allowing Thomas, recognized as one of the fastest players at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, to adjust to an underthrown ball. He then outran the secondary along the sideline for an impressive touchdown. Maurice Alexander also contributed to the Bears' scoring with another touchdown reception from Bagent, accumulating a game-high seven catches for 50 yards. The Bears maintained a 14-9 lead at halftime, which they extended in the third quarter with Roschon Johnson's 3-yard touchdown run and a Cairo Santos field goal, solidifying their dominant 24-9 advantage before the Titans' late score. Johnson himself had a productive outing with 15 carries for 52 yards.
Titans' Resilience and Preseason Evaluations
Despite the Chicago Bears' strong performance, the Tennessee Titans showcased their own resilience and utilized the preseason game as a crucial evaluation opportunity for players vying for roster spots. With starting quarterback Cam Ward and backup Mitch Trubisky rested, Will Levis stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Titans. Levis played the entire first half, demonstrating his capabilities by orchestrating three scoring drives, all of which resulted in successful field goals. This performance was vital for Levis as he aimed to solidify his position on the team ahead of the impending NFL cuts, highlighting his ability to move the offense and contribute to points on the board even against a strong defensive front.
The Titans' offense eventually found the end zone late in the fourth quarter with running back D'Ernest Johnson's 9-yard touchdown run, which he celebrated with the "Choppa City Juke" in homage to former Titans running back Chris Johnson. Kicker Joey Slye was a consistent and reliable asset for the Titans throughout the game, successfully converting all three of his field goal attempts. His impressive 56-yard kick marked his fifth successful field goal of 50 yards or more in the preseason, underscoring his powerful and accurate leg. This game served as a comprehensive trial for many of the team's reserves and aspiring players, providing valuable data and insights for both coaching staffs to make informed decisions as they finalize their rosters for the upcoming regular season.
