Special teams and defense strengthen Bears in Caleb Williams’ debut with 24-17 win

Defense has been the Bears’ trademark for generations.

Even when they signed quarterback Caleb Williams as the number 1 pick in the draft this year, nothing changed on Sunday.

With a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a pick six, Chicago’s special teams and defense led the club to a 24-17 victory over Tennessee to open the 2024 season.

Tennessee quickly built a 17-0 lead, with the team’s defense limiting Chicago to just one field goal in the first half.

But things changed in the third quarter when the Bears blocked a punt and Jonathan Owens – the husband of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles – returned the ball 21 yards for a touchdown, making the score 17-10.

The Bears offense managed one of its few sustained drives, putting Cairo Santos in position for a 50-yard field goal that made the score 17-13.

Then Chicago’s defense began to apply pressure as defensive lineman Darrell Taylor sacked quarterback Will Levis and linebacker TJ Edwards recovered the ball to give the team an extra possession. Santos kicked a 48-yard field goal to cut the deficit to one point.

Titans quarterback Will Levis then made his worst play of the day when he inexplicably attempted an underhand flip to avoid a sack on third-and-6. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was there to intercept the errant pass and returned it 43 yards for a game-winning touchdown.

Williams then completed a swing pass to D’Andre Swift for a two-point conversion, giving the Bears a seven-point lead.

That was 24 unanswered points for Chicago, and that was all the club needed. On Tennessee’s last drive, Levis threw an interception to Jaylon Johnson on fourth and ten, which effectively ended the game.

The Bears had just 11 first downs and 148 yards, an average of 2.8 yards per play. Williams finished 14 of 29 for 93 yards. He also ran for 15 yards.

On the other hand, Levis was 19 of 32 passing for 127 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a lost fumble. He also rushed for 36 yards. Tony Pollard was effective, rushing for 82 yards on 16 carries with one touchdown.

But it was Chicago’s defense and special teams that made the difference.

The Titans will play their first home game next week as the club hosts the Jets.

Williams will make his primetime debut when the Bears travel to Houston to visit the Texans.