Chicago Bears (1-0) – Tennessee Titans (0-1): 24-17
New season and new hopes for the Bears. Led by the number one pick in the last draft, Caleb Williams, Chicago met the Titans this Sunday to open the 2024 season. An opportunity for the ex-USC to rub shoulders with the next level. Despite a narrow victory obtained in the snatch, Caleb Williams (14/29, 93 yards) was in difficulty. But that may not be the main thing, for a franchise too accustomed to defeat.
First titanic period
The Titans of new coach Brian Callahan put on a perfect first half. Intractable in defense (27 yards conceded on the first 3 series), and efficient in attack, Tennessee quickly and logically leads 17-0. Heir to Derrick Henry, ex-Cowboy Tony Pollard rolls out on the ground: 15 carries, 82 yards, 1 touchdown. This avoids placing too much responsibility on a Will Levis who remains fragile.
Caleb Williams is not having his best day, but unlike his Florida counterpart, he does not lose the ball. Better, on a superb 67-yard kick-off return by DeAndre Carter, Williams advances his team to obtain a field goal and unblock the counter.
Will Levis Terrible
Tennessee entered the second half with a single mission: protect the ball and manage its lead. Will Levis (19/32, 127 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble, sacked 3 times) was perhaps distracted when listening to instructions, because the 25-year-old quarterback decided to do the exact opposite. Unable to move his team forward (3 punts in a row, one of which was blocked and returned for a touchdown), the quarterback completely derailed at the end of the game.
With the Titans still leading 17-13, Levis loses the ball on a sack. On the next drive, the same Levis throws a CRI-MI-NELLE interception returned for a touchdown by Tyrique Stevenson. Bis repeats two more drives (time to punt again of course). The Titans went from 17-0 to 17-24 in one half.
For the Bears, the win is a fitting start to Caleb Williams' reign by sending a strong signal: He doesn't need to be the hero of this team. Not right away, anyway. 15 of the Bears' 24 points weren't scored by the offense tonight.
