Preseason NFL Action: Titans Edge Bears in Preseason Thriller

In a tightly contested preseason game, the Tennessee Titans outlasted the Chicago Bears 21-14 in a matchup that saw strong performances from both teams’ key players and rookies. With the regular season fast approaching, both sides took advantage of this opportunity to evaluate their squads and get their rookies and backups ready for the grueling NFL season.

Willis Shines in the First Half

The Titans started the game with quarterback Malik Willis, who quickly demonstrated why the coaching staff has high hopes for him. On the first drive, Willis orchestrated an efficient series that resulted in a touchdown. He found Chris Moore, who made a key catch, though he fumbled the ball at the Bears’ 30-yard line. Fortunately for Tennessee, Moore was ruled down by contact. On the same drive, Willis connected with tight end Josh Sharp for a gain of four yards, and later used his legs to extend the drive, scrambling inside the five-yard line to set up a first-and-goal.

Though Willis faced pressure throughout, he showed his athleticism and poise in the pocket. He capped the drive by keeping the ball on an RPO (run-pass option) and scampering into the end zone for a touchdown. A holding penalty on the Bears’ TJ Edwards was called off, confirming the score. Kicker Caleb Shudak then added the extra point, giving Tennessee a 7-0 lead after a dominant seven-minute drive.

Rookie Tajh Spears Impresses

Tennessee rookie running back Tajh Spears also made his mark early in the game, showcasing the dynamic running ability that the Titans hope will complement their star Derrick Henry. Spears, drafted out of Tulane, picked up a first down on a third-and-short situation and later exploded for a 14-yard gain, slipping through tackles and stiff-arming Bears’ safety Eddie Jackson on the way.

Spears’ combination of speed and power made him a standout, and he acclimated well to the pace of the game. His ability to elude tacklers and break off chunk plays bodes well for his role as a secondary option in the Titans’ backfield behind Henry.

Bears Strike Back with DJ Moore and Khalil Herbert

The Bears, not to be outdone, responded with their own big plays. Quarterback Justin Fields, entering his third season, wasted no time getting the Bears on the scoreboard. On their first offensive drive, Fields connected with newly acquired wide receiver DJ Moore on a short pass. Moore, known for his versatility, immediately made an impact by evading defenders and sprinting 62 yards for a touchdown. The play electrified the Chicago crowd, and kicker Cairo Santos tied the game at 7-7.

Moore, who was part of a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, lived up to his billing as a true No. 1 receiver. His ability to turn short catches into long gains is expected to be a key factor in Fields’ development, much like the impact that Stefon Diggs had on Josh Allen in Buffalo and A.J. Brown on Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.

Running back Khalil Herbert also had a standout moment later in the half. After a Bears’ drive stalled, Fields escaped pressure and dumped the ball off to Herbert, who found open space and took off for a 56-yard touchdown. The Bears’ offensive line and receivers provided excellent blocking downfield, allowing Herbert to weave through the Titans’ defense and give Chicago a 14-7 lead after Santos’ second successful extra point.

Defensive Struggles and Key Turnovers

Both defenses had moments of success, but there were also lapses. The Titans struggled to contain the Bears’ big-play potential, while Chicago’s defense allowed Tennessee to consistently move the ball on the ground. The Bears were particularly susceptible to Willis’ mobility and Spears’ quickness, though they tightened up near the goal line after Tennessee’s opening touchdown.

Turnovers became a key factor as the game progressed. Bears’ punt returner Velus Jones Jr. made a costly mistake by touching a high-bouncing punt from Tennessee’s elite punter, Ryan Stonehouse. Jones’ misjudgment allowed Titans linebacker Luke Gifford to recover the ball, giving Tennessee excellent field position.

However, the Titans couldn’t fully capitalize on the opportunity. Willis, under pressure, threw a pass that deflected off wide receiver Josh Whyle’s hands and was intercepted by Bears safety AJ Thomas. Thomas’ awareness saved the Bears from what could have been a momentum-shifting touchdown for Tennessee.

Bears’ Backup Quarterbacks Struggle

With Fields sidelined after his explosive first-half performance, the Bears turned to their backup quarterbacks to finish the game. PJ Walker, who started several games for the Carolina Panthers last season, struggled to find a rhythm. Late in the game, Walker attempted a deep pass to Equanimeous St. Brown, but the throw was off-target and intercepted by Titans cornerback Tre Avery, who returned the ball deep into Bears’ territory. Walker’s performance was underwhelming, raising questions about the Bears’ depth behind Fields.

Chicago’s offense sputtered with Walker under center, as his misthrows and turnovers prevented the Bears from mounting a serious comeback in the second half.

Willis Leads Titans to Victory

Willis continued to impress in the second half, though he wasn’t without his mistakes. His pocket presence and decision-making were tested as the Bears applied pressure, but his ability to escape the rush and make plays with his legs kept drives alive. His connection with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a potential starting receiver, was another highlight of his performance.

After his earlier interception, Willis regained composure and led a fourth-quarter drive that resulted in a game-winning touchdown pass to Josh Sharp. Sharp, who had been a reliable target throughout the game, caught the pass and slipped into the end zone for the score. Shudak’s extra point gave the Titans a 21-14 lead that they would not relinquish.

Conclusion

Though this was just a preseason game, both the Titans and Bears had plenty to be excited about. For the Titans, Malik Willis’ progress and Tajh Spears’ explosiveness on the ground are positive signs for the season ahead. The Bears, meanwhile, can feel confident in their offensive playmakers, with DJ Moore and Khalil Herbert showing they are ready to contribute in a big way.

Both teams will need to address some of the defensive issues and turnovers that plagued them in this game, but as the regular season approaches, fans can be hopeful that these squads will be ready to compete.