The Chicago Bears kicked off their 2025 preseason campaign in dramatic fashion, battling the Miami Dolphins to a 24-24 tie at Soldier Field on Sunday. In what marked new head coach Ben Johnson’s first game calling the shots, the Bears showcased both promise and areas for improvement in an entertaining preseason opener that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Bears and Dolphins lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying competitive spirit despite the preseason nature of the contest. For Bears fans eager to see their team in action, the game provided plenty of excitement and talking points as the organization continues its rebuilding efforts under Johnson’s leadership.
Tua Tagovailoa Makes Strong Preseason Return
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his presence felt early in the game, showing why he remains a crucial component of the Dolphins’ offensive strategy. According to ESPN’s game recap, Tagovailoa had an efficient start to the preseason, completing 5 of 6 passes for 27 yards in a methodical 15-play drive that demonstrated his command of the offense.
Playing in a preseason opener for the first time since 2021, Tagovailoa looked comfortable in the pocket and displayed the accuracy that has made him a key figure in Miami’s offensive scheme. His performance was particularly noteworthy given the limited action most starting quarterbacks typically see in preseason games.
The Dolphins’ offensive approach under Tagovailoa’s leadership showcased their commitment to a balanced attack, with the veteran quarterback efficiently moving the chains and keeping drives alive. While his playing time was limited, as expected in preseason action, Tagovailoa’s brief appearance provided valuable insight into Miami’s offensive direction heading into the regular season.
Ben Johnson’s Coaching Debut Showcases New Era
The Bears game marked a significant milestone for the franchise as Ben Johnson took the reins as head coach for the first time in a competitive setting. The Chicago Sun-Times highlighted how this preseason opener represented Johnson’s first opportunity to call all the shots during an actual game situation.
Johnson’s approach to the preseason opener demonstrated his philosophy of competition and development. With most starters sitting out the majority of the contest, the new head coach used the game as an evaluation tool for players fighting for roster spots and playing time in the upcoming regular season.
The coaching staff’s game management and strategic decisions throughout the contest provided a glimpse into the new culture Johnson is building within the Bears organization. From personnel groupings to play-calling tendencies, every aspect of the game served as a learning experience for both the coaching staff and players as they work to establish their identity under the new regime.
Bears fans witnessed Johnson’s emphasis on fundamentals and preparation, with the team showing improved organization and discipline compared to previous seasons. The tie result, while not providing a definitive winner, allowed Johnson to evaluate a larger number of players in meaningful game situations.
Case Keenum Delivers Veteran Leadership
One of the standout performances in the Bears game came from veteran quarterback Case Keenum, who demonstrated why experience matters in professional football. NFL.com captured the highlight of Keenum’s impressive 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahdae Walker that gave the Bears a crucial 24-21 lead against the Dolphins.
Keenum’s performance was particularly impressive given the circumstances surrounding the game. Playing with mostly backup and fringe roster players, the veteran quarterback showed his ability to elevate the play of those around him. His connection with Walker represented the type of veteran leadership that can be invaluable during preseason evaluation periods.
The experienced signal-caller completed 8 of 10 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns, posting an outstanding 139.6 passer rating that showcased his efficiency and decision-making. Keenum’s performance served as a reminder of his value to the organization, whether as a mentor to younger quarterbacks or as a reliable option in case of injury.
His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure was evident throughout his time on the field. The touchdown pass to Walker came at a crucial moment in the game and demonstrated the type of clutch performance that veteran players can provide when called upon.
Austin Booker Makes Impact on Defense
The Bears’ defense found a bright spot in the performance of Austin Booker, who made his presence felt against the Dolphins’ offensive line. <a href=”https://www.chicagobears.com/video/highlight-austin-booker-s-sack-of-wilson-hands-dolphins-an-8-yard-loss” target=”_blank”>The official Bears website showcased</a> Booker’s impressive sack of Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson, resulting in an 8-yard loss that demonstrated the rookie’s potential impact.
Booker’s performance in the Bears game highlighted the team’s investment in developing young talent along the defensive line. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback represents exactly the type of skill set that can translate to regular season success. The sack against Wilson showed Booker’s combination of speed and technique that made him an attractive prospect during the draft process.
The defensive lineman’s impact extended beyond just the statistical contribution. His energy and effort level set a tone for the defense and provided inspiration for teammates throughout the contest. For a player looking to establish himself in the NFL, performances like this in preseason games can be career-defining moments.
Booker’s development will be crucial for the Bears’ defensive success in the upcoming season. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run gives the coaching staff valuable flexibility in their defensive schemes and personnel packages.
Noah Sewell’s Goal Line Stand Highlights Defensive Intensity
Another defensive highlight in the Bears game came courtesy of linebacker Noah Sewell, who made a crucial fourth-down stop that showcased the team’s defensive intensity.
Sewell’s performance represented the type of defensive play that can change the momentum of games. His ability to read the play and make the tackle in a critical situation demonstrated the linebacker’s football IQ and physical capabilities. The fourth-down stop came at a crucial juncture in the game and prevented the Dolphins from taking control.
The linebacker’s effort on the play epitomized the type of defensive intensity that Ben Johnson and his coaching staff are looking to establish. Sewell’s combination of size, speed, and instincts makes him a valuable asset in the Bears’ defensive scheme, particularly in short-yardage situations.
For a player working to establish himself in the league, performances like this serve as building blocks for future success. Sewell’s ability to make impact plays in crucial moments suggests he could play a significant role in the Bears’ defensive plans for the regular season.
Caleb Williams Absent as Development Continues
Notably absent from the Bears game was rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, as the team opted to protect their first-round draft pick from preseason action. AS USA’s coverage noted that there was no sign of Williams during the contest, indicating the organization’s careful approach to his development.
The decision to hold Williams out of preseason action reflects the modern NFL’s approach to protecting valuable assets, particularly rookie quarterbacks who are expected to play significant roles during the regular season. This strategy allows Williams to continue his development in practice settings while avoiding potential injury risks that come with preseason games.
Williams’ absence from the Bears game also provided opportunities for other quarterbacks on the roster to showcase their abilities. Players like Case Keenum and Austin Reed were able to receive additional snaps and demonstrate their value to the organization, which benefits overall roster construction and depth development.
The Bears’ quarterback situation remains one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the regular season. Williams’ development and readiness will be crucial factors in determining the team’s success, making the coaching staff’s careful management of his preseason participation a calculated decision.
Miami’s Balanced Offensive Attack Shows Promise
The Dolphins demonstrated their offensive versatility throughout the Bears game, showcasing a balanced attack that kept Chicago’s defense honest. The team’s ability to move the ball effectively through both the air and on the ground highlighted the diverse skill set within their offensive roster.
Miami’s offensive line performance provided adequate protection for their quarterbacks while also creating running lanes for the ground game. The coordination between the offensive line and skill position players suggested good preparation and understanding of the offensive system.
The Dolphins’ receiving corps showed depth and reliability, with multiple players contributing to the passing attack. This balanced distribution of targets demonstrated the team’s offensive philosophy and provided valuable evaluation opportunities for the coaching staff.
Kyle Monangai and other running backs in the Dolphins’ system showed flashes of potential, contributing to a ground game that complemented the passing attack effectively. The running game’s success against the Bears’ defense provided positive indicators for Miami’s offensive balance in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: Schedule Implications and Future Matchups
The Bears game result sets the stage for both teams as they continue their preseason preparations. The 24-24 tie, while not providing a winner, offered valuable insights for both organizations as they evaluate their rosters and prepare for the regular season.
For the Bears, their 2025 schedule will present numerous challenges, and games like this provide crucial evaluation opportunities for players competing for roster spots. The team’s performance against Miami highlighted both strengths and areas requiring improvement as they work toward regular season readiness.
The Dolphins’ schedule also presents intriguing matchups, and their balanced performance against Chicago suggests they’re making progress in their preparation. The team’s ability to compete effectively in various game situations bodes well for their prospects in the competitive AFC East division.
Both teams will use the lessons learned from this preseason encounter as they continue their preparation for the regular season. The competitive nature of the contest, despite its exhibition status, provided valuable experience for players and coaches alike.
The tie result ultimately served both teams well, providing extensive playing time for roster bubble players while allowing coaching staffs to evaluate personnel in game situations. As both the Bears and Dolphins continue their preseason preparations, the insights gained from this matchup will inform crucial roster decisions in the coming weeks.
The Bears game against Miami demonstrated that even preseason contests can provide excitement and valuable insights. With Ben Johnson’s coaching debut in the books and players from both teams showcasing their abilities, the stage is set for what promises to be an intriguing regular season for both franchises.