Bears Biggest Takeaway Performances In First Preseason Game
The Chicago Bears have kicked off their 2025 preseason, tying the Miami Dolphins 24-24 on Sunday at Soldier Field. Head coach Ben Johnson decided just days before to sit most of the starters in the preseason opener. The only two starters to play for Chicago were tackle Braxton Jones and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, while the Dolphins would play their starters for the first couple of drives. Ultimately, it was an impressive showing for the Bears' rookies, who were able to stand out and make it a competitive back-and-forth in Ben Johnson’s head coaching debut.
Defensive end Austin Booker would be the most impactful player of the game, totaling three sacks and a forced fumble for Chicago. Booker is beginning his sophomore season on a high note, looking to take this performance into the regular season, fighting for a starting spot. The young defensive lineman would generate four quarterback hits on Miami, causing fits all game for the Dolphins’ offense. While Booker had an impressive start to the year, he would stand out just as much last year in preseason, but was unable to carry it into the regular season. Now in 2025, Bears fans will hope this is a sign of things to come for the future of his career.
Bears’ running back Kyle Monangai would have a very notable debut to his career, after being picked in the seventh round in this year's draft by Chicago. Running back Roschon Johnson is currently sidelined with an injury, allowing Monangai to start in the preseason opener. Monangai did not disappoint, with 30 yards on six carries, averaging five yards per carry. He was very aggressive and fought hard for extra yards, possibly doing enough to make himself the backup behind D’Andre Swift. Monangai will be a name to keep an eye on in these next two preseason games.
As the Bears’ backup quarterbacks are battling to be the backup behind starter Caleb Williams, this game would shed some light on who might be ahead. Going into his third season, Tyson Bagent would get the start and have a mixed performance. He would complete 13-of-19 passes for 130 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Bagent would miss a wide-open Luther Burden III early in the game for a touchdown, causing a very animated Ben Johnson on the sideline. While he would miss a few more throws, Bagent still showed growth from last year as he fights to remain the backup. Meanwhile, veteran Case Keenum would replace Bagent in the second half to provide a fantastic performance. Keenum completed eight of his 10 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He would look much sharper than Bagent, giving himself the edge in Week One of the preseason. As the Bears will host the Buffalo Bills next week, these takeaway players will be ones to keep an eye on as we head towards the regular season.
