The Chicago Bears opened 2024 season with a hard- fought 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, marking the first time since 2002 that a No.1 overall pick at quarterback has started their NFL career with a win. Despite a modest performance from Caleb Williams, who finished the game 14-29 with 93 yards passing, The Bears defense and special teams came up big, propelling the team to victory.
Defense and Special Teams Dominate
It was the Bears’ defense and special teams that ultimately flipped the momentum this gameDaniel Hardy who was a stand out in the pre season blocked a punt, allowing safety Jonathan Owens (Free Agent signing from GB)to scoop up the ball and return it for a game changing touchdown. It was actually the first touchdown for the Bears in the new season. This spark ignited the soldier field crowd and breathed life into a Bears team that was searching for answers offensively.
Second year defensive back Tyrique Stevenson had a breakout game making him the NFC Defensive player of week 1, stepping up when the Bears needed him most. With Chicago down in the 2nd half, Stevenson intercepted a pass down by 1, 17-16 with less then * minutes left in the 4th quarter giving the Bears their first lead of the new year and in the game. His play electrified the defense, and the Bears never looked back.
