The Chicago Bears played their first preseason game of the 2021 season today versus the Miami Dolphins and came away with a tight 20 to 13 victory. After accomplishing very little in the first quarter and about 90 percent of the second quarter, Justin Fields led the team down the field with less than a minute left to put three points on the board before the half.
This Chicago Bears offense was stagnant and the defense could not get off the field to start the game. The only positive was that the Bears‘ red zone defense was on point, holding the Dolphins to only two field goals. A red zone interception by DeAndre Houston-Carson also kept the Dolphins from putting points on the board. That interception was the only poor throw made by Tua Tagovailoa on the day. He finished 9/11 for 99 yards.
Andy Dalton started the game for the Bears but was not able to generate even a first down. He went 2/4 for 18 yards. In his defense, Dalton barely played in the game. Instead, Justin Fields stole the show and looked like everything the Bears hoped for when trading up nine spots for the former Ohio State Buckeye.
Justin Fields is a bright spot for the Chicago Bears in win over Dolphins
The team struggled when Fields first took over by the offense backing up due to some penalties. One of those penalties was a horrendous and laughable false start by Javon Wims. In Wims defense, the team was likely going to have a delay of game penalty anyway. Wims struggled in this game but there were plenty of bright spots to mention.
Justin Fields finished the game with 142 passing yards and a touchdown. He added another 33 yards on the ground and ran in another score. 175 yards and two touchdowns in limited play is a great start to the young quarterback’s career.
Fields made his teammates look better too. His dual-threat ability kept the defense honest. He’d move defenders off receivers with his legs and his eyes, if the defender bit on the run, he’d complete the pass. If they held on the receiver he’d run. He looked poised and was never rattled — even after a mistake he made fumbling the football on a scramble — a fumble he was able to recover. Check out this 30-yard touchdown throw to Jesse James.
On defense, Alec Ogletree continues to stand out despite allowing a 50-plus yard catch early in the game. After that play, Ogletree was constantly blowing up plays. Tre Roberson looked solid, DeAndre Houston-Carson came away big with that interception. Trevis Gipson flashed a couple of times, Charles Snowden came up with a big sack and although not on the stat sheet, rookie sixth-round pick Khyiris Tonga looked very good too.
On offense, Khalil Herbert, Rodney Adams and Jesse James also stood out. A couple of big runs by Artavis Pierce and Ryan Nall versus the third-stringers were also bright spots for the offense. Damien Williams flashed his speed and looks to be a very solid backup to David Montgomery who left the game early with a minor injury.
Overall, there were plenty of ups and a few downs, but the team looked decent. If they clean up a few things, the offense looks like it could finally be something this season. It will be interesting to see if Andy Dalton can hold off Fields from starting after a performance like today. Plenty to build off of though as the Bears head towards the second preseason game versus the Bills.