After their Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Chicago Bears have some parts of their team that look to be polished, while other parts need work.
As Chicago takes on the Houston Texans next week, the Bears will need a stronger performance from more players. It was Week 1 with several new pieces, but moving forward, the Bears need more studs on both sides of the ball.
With Week 1 in the books, here were the best and worst performers from Sunday’s matchup.
Best Week 1 Performances From Bears vs. Titans
Darrell Taylor | STUD
The Bears traded for edge rusher Darrell Taylor just 16 days before Chicago’s matchup with the Titans. And with just over two weeks to get acclimated to a new team, he was one of the top performers of the day against Tennessee.
Taylor recorded eight tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble that changed the course of this game. The Bears were down 17-3 at halftime, but after a strong second-half performance from Taylor and the rest of the defense, Chicago celebrated a win in Week 1.
Tyrique Stevenson | STUD
Coming into this season with breakout potential, Tyrique Stevenson was one of two defensive players to score a touchdown in Week 1.
Stevenson’s pick-six on Will Levis came late in the fourth quarter with Levis trying to throw out of a sack. At the end of the game, Stevenson totaled four tackles, two passes defensed, and the interception for the score.
Against a much stronger passing attack next week, Stevenson will look to recreate this performance on the road in Houston.
T.J. Edwards | STUD
As Roquan Smith’s replacement for the past two seasons, T.J. Edwards continued his strong 2023 season into the start of this year with a strong performance.
Edwards was the team’s leading tackler, totaling 15 tackles and two tackles for loss. In his second season with Chicago, he’s been one of the team’s top defensive performers week after week and showing to be one of the NFL’s top linebackers.
After leading the Bears in tackles last season by more than 40, he looks to recreate that level of performance in 2024.
Bears Who Struggled in Week 1 vs. Titans
Coleman Shelton | DUD
As expected coming into this game against Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, Chicago’s interior offensive line was hard to watch at points. And in the middle, center Coleman Shelton had a game to forget.
Shelton was credited with allowing just one sack, but the film tells a much different story of how his game went.
Coleman Shelton giving up the quick pressure. Never had a chance. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/FRMYSdnRGQ
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 8, 2024
The Bears will face stronger pass rushes this season, making the first viewing of Chicago’s offensive line worrisome. Caleb Williams is a highly talented quarterback, but with three guys rushing him untouched on most plays, the talent won’t be able to shine as bright.
Velus Jones Jr. | DUD
In a tale that dates back to his rookie season, Velus Jones Jr. had another poor performance, including ball-security issues.
Through his first two seasons, Jones has fumbled the ball three times, making it a known part of his game at this point. After Week 1 against Tennessee, that number grows by one.
Jones muffed his only kickoff return, giving the Titans possession in favorable field position. Thankfully for the Bears, this only resulted in a field goal for Tennessee. However, if they had scored a touchdown on that drive, it’s uncertain if Chicago would be 1-0 following the first week.
Rome Odunze | DUD
In his rookie debut, Rome Odunze was a bit of a no-show. He logged just one catch for 11 yards, and it was on a play that usually wouldn’t result in positive yardage.
Caleb Williams hitting Rome Odunze on the backside dig, beautiful pic.twitter.com/uWcgaAURDO
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) September 8, 2024
It was a rookie debut to forget for Odunze. He was targeted four times, yet the only ball he caught wasn’t intended for him.
Not only was Odunze’s only catch a bit of an improbable play, but he also fumbled the ball. Teven Jenkins fell on it to keep possession, but that could’ve changed the outcome of this game entirely.