The Bears struggled in their second preseason game, suffering a 27-9 defeat against the Bengals. Most starters, including new quarterback Caleb Williams, saw limited playing time. Williams managed a brief offensive drive leading to an early field goal. The Bengals, leveraging a strong performance from Josh Johnson, quickly took control, scoring multiple touchdowns to secure their win.

By the Numbers
  • Caleb Williams led an 8-play, 33-yard drive, resulting in a 45-yard field goal.
  • Case Keenum completed 9 of 17 passes for 119 yards and a 75.4 passer rating.
  • The Bengals scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives in the first half.
Yes, But

The Bears had limited preparation, with many starters not playing in the first preseason game, which raises concerns about the team's readiness for the season. While Keenum showed some promise, continued quarterback issues may affect overall performance.

State of Play
  • The Bears will conclude their preseason against the Titans next week.
  • Defensive back Skylar Thomas recorded the Bears’ first interception of the preseason.
What's Next

The Bears will need to regroup and make adjustments before facing the Titans to build confidence heading into the regular season. Improvement in both offensive consistency and quarterback play will be crucial.

Bottom Line

This loss highlights critical gaps in the Bears’ offense and raises questions about quarterback depth. Addressing these issues before the final preseason game is imperative for a competitive start to the season.