The way the Chicago Bears won in Week 1 felt awfully familiar to lifelong fans. When they came back against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, they did so in a fashion that not many teams often do ... without scoring a single offensive touchdown.
There were several game-changing plays for the Bears including a strip-sack on quarterback Will Levis, a pick-six thanks to Tyrique Stevenson and a game-clinching interception by Jaylon Johnson.
But, the momentum really started to shift when Chicago was able to block a Tennessee punt and return it for a score.
Daniel Hardy got his hand on the football initially, and safety Jonathan Owens picked it up and returned it for a touchdown. This was old-school Bears football at its finest.
After the game, Titans head coach Brian Callahan was visibly frustrated with his team's performance, especially on offense. Earlier in the week, Callahan made a comment to the media which essentially said that, if the Titans had simply punted the ball on 1st-and-10 every time in the second half, they would have won the game.
And, in hilarious fashion, NFL Network's Kyle Brandt of "Good Morning Football" found the quote on social media and proceeded to repost with a witty response.
No. The Bears blocked a punt for a TD. https://t.co/bKiDS6j3rT
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) September 10, 2024
Brandt isn't wrong. Had the Titans punted even more, there's certainly a chance the Bears would have blocked another one. The irony in what Callahan said is too good.
At the same time, Callahan appeared to have called out his quarterback with the comments. It's not a great situation all around for Tennessee.
As for Chicago?
Caleb Williams and the offense must improve in Week 2 against the Texans
He's a rookie, but quarterback Caleb Williams has to be better in Week 2. The Bears take on the Houston Texans, on the road, and in prime time. This game is a big one, and it's also one that very well could be a loss.
However, if the Bears offense shows up and plays better, even in a loss, then that's progress. Fans want to see Williams take it up another level and prove he can make the right throws under pressure. They also want to see less pressure, for that matter. So, the offensive line has to be better. That much is true.
The Bears defense will have their hands full with C.J. Stroud, Joe Mixon, Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. It is going to be a much more difficult test than the Titans presented a week ago. Can they come up big again, with some key takeaways? If so, then they'll have a shot to upset Houston.