In their Week 1 matchup, the Chicago Bears started out slow against the Tennessee Titans, trailing 17-3 after the first half.
However, in the second half, the Bears’ defense stole the show, completing a historic win for their rookie quarterback, helping Caleb Williams become the first quarterback selected No. 1 to win his first NFL start since 2002.
Caleb Williams Has Slow Start in Regular Season Debut
Williams didn’t have the start to his career that he would’ve liked.
As the new leader of this offense, there were growing pains for the rookie quarterback. On one of his first career passes, he misfired a deep ball to veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen on a play that had six points written all over it.
However, Williams bounced back from his slow start, showing the ability to handle adversity in stride.
While his performance in Week 1 wasn’t perfect, that’s expected from a rookie quarterback in his NFL debut.
Williams finished the game 14-for-29 for 92 yards, leaving more to be imagined moving forward.
Bears’ Run Defense Porous in First Half
After being one of the strongest defenses against the run last year (86.4 yards per game), the Bears kicked off the 2024 season with an uncharacteristic performance against the Titans’ rushing attack.
The Bears allowed more rushing yards in the first half than they did on average all of last season, as the Titans rushed for 115 yards in the first two quarters alone
The Bears’ defense came out stronger in the second half, allowing just 25 rushing yards over the final two quarters.
Velus Jones’ Ball Security Remains Problematic
Velus Jones Jr.’s lack of ball security could be a reason he loses out on valuable reps each week.
Jones has three recorded fumbles in his career with the Bears, and after another fumble in Week 1, it appears his days as Chicago’s returner are over.
The Bears added Jones to their running back committee this offseason because he can be an impactful playmaker with the ball in his hands.
However, if he continues to struggle with his ball security, it could be a long season for Jones and the Bears.
DeAndre Carter Showing Promise As Returner
Following Jones’ fumble at the end of the first quarter, DeAndre Carter took over as Chicago’s main returner for both punts and kicks.
As a player who hasn’t found his long-term NFL home, Carter appears to be making the case to be a major part of Chicago’s special teams unit.
Carter totaled 131 yards for the Bears in six returns, giving Chicago strong field position nearly every time.
Once the Bears’ offense finds their rhythm, having a special teams contributor like Carter will be a major boost.
Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat Overpowered Bears’ Struggling IOL
One of the biggest areas of concern for the Bears heading into this season was how well the interior offensive line would perform.
In Week 1 against Tennessee, they had the tall task of stopping Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. Those two were big parts of Chicago’s slow start on offense.
The two interior defensive linemen made it a tough day for center Coleman Shelton specifically, as Williams had pressure in his face nearly all game.
The Titans’ defensive front is impressive, but to say they’re the best front Chicago plays this season would be simply untrue.
Moving forward, stronger interior offensive line play will be crucial if the Bears want to succeed with their rookie quarterback.
The Bears’ Defense Leads Team in Week 1
While most eyes in this game were on Chicago’s rookie quarterback, the Bears’ defense was the difference in this matchup.
The Bears lost a fumble early in this game, and after heading into halftime down 17-3, Chicago’s defense smothered Tennessee in the second half.
Considering the Bears’ offensive woes to begin this game, the defense shined bright for nearly the entire contest.
Chicago’s secondary made this game incredibly difficult for second-year Titans quarterback Will Levis.
Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson proved the Bears have one of the NFL’s best secondaries today. Both corners ended the game with an interception, and Stevenson returned his for Chicago’s first touchdown.
While not a part of the defensive unit, safety Jonathan Owens joined the non-offensive scoring party, returning a blocked punt 21 yards for a touchdown.
Most expected the Bears’ offense to shine in this game, but it was the defense that shined brightest on Sunday.
