Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
LAKE FOREST, Ill. The Chicago Bears and their newly drafted quarterback, Caleb Williams from Southern California, are facing high expectations as they prepare for their season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon. Williams, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in April, seems unfazed by the pressure and is supported by a talented offensive lineup.
"Once I step onto the field," Williams stated, "it's just business as usual."
Last season, the Bears had a record of 7-10 with Justin Fields as their dual-threat quarterback. However, Fields has since moved on, leaving Williams to take the reins. The team has also made significant additions to their offensive roster, including wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back D'Andre Swift.
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Williams understands the expectations placed on him to lead the team to victory, whether it be through the guidance of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron or the support of the fans at Soldier Field.
"At the end of the day, the most important thing is getting the win," Williams said. "Whether I throw for 100 yards or 400, it doesn't matter as long as we come out on top."
The Titans have also made changes to their offensive lineup, bringing in 1,000-yard receiver Calvin Ridley and 1,000-yard rusher Tony Pollard to support their second-year quarterback, Will Levis. Levis, who went 3-6 as a starter last season, is eager to lead a team with high hopes.
"Pressure is a privilege," Levis stated. "It means people are counting on you to succeed. I welcome it with open arms."
Titans' first-year coach Brian Callahan, a native of Champaign, Ill., is excited to open his head-coaching career in Chicago, where he grew up as a fan of the Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls.
Tennessee, known for their run-heavy offense with former franchise player Derrick Henry, is now looking to find balance with Levis at the helm. Callahan, who previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, is hoping to see quick chemistry between Levis and the Titans' offense.
Similarly, the Bears have high expectations for Williams and have shown confidence in the rookie by making him their starting quarterback.
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"Our expectation is always to win," said wide receiver Keenan Allen. "I wouldn't want to be with anyone else right now than Caleb. He's only gotten better since we started, and his confidence is through the roof."
Both teams have players dealing with injuries, including Allen and Bears defensive end Montez Sweat. Titans' safety Jamal Adams, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and linebacker Otis Reese were also limited in practice due to injuries.
Kevin Druley,
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears Recap SEP 8TH 2024
A special teams and defensive touchdown in the second half sparked the host Chicago Bears to a 24-17 victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in quarterback Caleb Williams' NFL debut.
Chicago scored 24 unanswered points to rally past Tennessee, which outgained the Bears 244-148.
Tyrique Stevenson gave the Bears (1-0) their first lead of the game on a 43-yard interception return touchdown with 7:35 to play. Trying to escape the pass rush, Titans quarterback Will Levis flipped the ball away but Stevenson was waiting.
Chicago notched its first TD with 9:07 left in the third quarter. Daniel Hardy blocked a Ryan Stonehouse punt and Jonathan Owens recovered the ball and raced 18 yards for a touchdown.
Cairo Santos kicked field goals of 24, 50 and 48 yards for the Bears.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft out of Southern California, struggled to ignite a Chicago attack that included several offseason additions acquired to help get his career off to a fast start.
Williams went 14-of-29 passing for 92 yards, connecting with DJ Moore five times for 36 yards. New Chicago running back D'Andre Swift had 10 carries for 30 yards.
Levis was 19 of 32 for 127 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Titans (0-1). Tony Pollard had 16 carries for 82 yards and a score and Calvin Ridley contributed three catches for 50 yards.
After gaining 5 yards on their first two possessions, the Titans tallied 17 points over their next three drives.
Pollard started the scoring with a 26-yard touchdown run with 41 seconds left in the first quarter. Nick Folk added a 40-yard goal in the first minute of the second quarter as Tennessee capitalized on a short field when the Bears fumbled the kickoff after Pollard's TD.
The Titans capped a 14-play, 73-yard drive that took 8:23 of clock time when Levis found Chig Okonkwo for a 17-yard score with 3:44 remaining in the second quarter and a 17-0 lead.
Chicago got on the board on a 24-yard Santos field goal with 27 seconds left before halftime.
Chicago went three and out on its first possession, beginning a string of three straight punts to start the game. The Bears' second drive showed promise but ultimately ended with zero points after Williams took a 19-yard sack shortly after a fourth-down conversion.