Bagent was equally impressive, finishing the game with 196 passing yards and a touchdown on 13 completions. The Bears’ ground game also showed up in force, with running backs Ian Wheeler and Brittain Brown each adding rushing touchdowns. By the final whistle, Chicago had racked up a massive 528 total yards of offense, compared to just 180 by Buffalo. The performance was so dominant that it drew widespread praise from analysts and former players alike, with many highlighting the Bears' offensive rhythm, depth, and potential heading into the regular season.
Notably, the Bears’ defense was also in top form, completely stifling a Buffalo offense that was largely made up of reserves. The Bills appeared to be resting many of their key starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, which contributed to their sluggish offensive output. However, even taking that into account, the Bears’ ability to shut them out entirely and create pressure from multiple angles was a strong indicator that their defensive unit is also rounding into form.
The only downside for the Bears came in the form of injury. Cornerback Terell Smith went down with a non-contact knee injury late in the second quarter and had to be carted off the field. It cast a slight shadow over an otherwise perfect night, and the team will now await further evaluation to determine how long he might be out. Such injuries are especially concerning in the preseason, where teams are looking to build momentum without risking their regular season roster depth.
This game added another chapter to the limited rivalry between the Bears and the Bills. Historically, Chicago has a narrow edge in their head-to-head series, with eight wins to Buffalo’s six. Their last regular-season matchup came in December 2022, when the Bills won handily, but this preseason result flipped the script entirely. It also fed into growing optimism in Chicago, where fans are hoping this young team—led by Caleb Williams—can finally turn the page on years of rebuilding.
Buffalo meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly as they continue their preseason slate. With high expectations going into the 2025 season, this loss likely won’t raise too many alarms given the context of missing starters, but it does highlight areas where their depth may need shoring up. For the Bears, the win was more than just a preseason result—it was a statement that this team might be turning a corner, with an exciting new leader at quarterback and a roster that’s hungry to prove itself.
Following the blowout win, the atmosphere around the Chicago Bears has shifted noticeably. What began as cautious optimism around a rookie quarterback has evolved into genuine excitement, with fans and analysts beginning to wonder just how far this new-look Bears team can go. Caleb Williams’ command of the offense, even in limited preseason snaps, was impressive not just for his accuracy and poise, but for the confidence he inspired in his teammates. He appeared unfazed by the speed of the professional game, executing throws with timing and showing early chemistry with his receivers. His ability to extend plays while staying within structure has already drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite young quarterbacks.
That being said, the Bears’ success in this matchup wasn’t all about Williams. The depth displayed across the roster suggests a level of balance that has been missing from Chicago’s teams in recent years. Tyson Bagent, who some initially viewed as a developmental backup, is beginning to make a case for himself as one of the more reliable No. 2 quarterbacks in the league. His confidence, decision-making, and pocket presence made it clear that the Bears are in good hands if they ever need him to step in. The offensive line gave both quarterbacks ample time to operate, a positive sign given how often Chicago struggled in pass protection in seasons past.
On defense, the Bears were aggressive and disciplined. They consistently collapsed the pocket, disrupted Buffalo’s rhythm, and forced multiple punts. Even when Buffalo attempted to mount a drive, Chicago’s defensive unit responded with physicality and smart tackling. The defensive front, in particular, showed its strength by dominating the line of scrimmage and making life difficult for the Bills’ backup quarterbacks. Young players on the defensive side took advantage of their opportunities, and the unit played with a noticeable energy and cohesion that made the 38–0 shutout feel like more than just a preseason fluke.
For the Bills, the game served as a reminder that depth matters in a long NFL season. While the result doesn’t carry regular-season weight, the lack of execution from their second and third-string players exposed some concerns. The offensive rhythm was off all night, and without the presence of their starters, they lacked leadership and structure. There’s little doubt that once their full roster is active, Buffalo will look far more like the playoff contender they’ve been in recent years. Still, games like these offer insight into how well a team is built beyond its stars, and in this case, the Bills will have some evaluating to do before the regular season kicks off.
In the bigger picture, this game gave Chicago something it has desperately needed: belief. After years of inconsistency, front office turnover, and quarterback uncertainty, this single preseason game showed what a cohesive and confident unit could look like under a new regime. While it’s too early to draw conclusions about the season ahead, performances like this spark hope. For fans, coaches, and players alike, the win was more than just a scoreline — it was a glimpse of what could be the beginning of a new era for the Chicago Bears.
As the dust settles from the dominant preseason performance, the Chicago Bears are riding a wave of renewed energy and belief. For a franchise that has long struggled to establish consistency at the quarterback position, the emergence of Caleb Williams feels like a potential turning point. His ability to make quick decisions, remain calm under pressure, and deliver accurate throws across different areas of the field was on full display. What stood out beyond the stats was the leadership quality he projected — communicating confidently with teammates, adjusting protections, and celebrating others’ success. These intangible traits are already setting him apart as not just a rookie quarterback, but as the possible new face of the franchise.
This game also reflected well on Chicago’s coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is crafting a system that plays to his players’ strengths. The offensive scheme appeared sharper, faster, and more unpredictable than what fans have seen in recent years. The Bears used a mix of motion, play-action, and spread formations to keep Buffalo’s defense off balance, which not only gave their quarterbacks more time to operate but allowed receivers and backs to get into space. This kind of versatility had been missing from the Bears’ playbook, and even in a preseason setting, it was clear that the team is beginning to adopt a more modern and aggressive offensive identity.
Defensively, the unit looked fast, physical, and well-prepared. Several young defenders stepped up and played with intensity, eager to earn their place in the final 53-man roster. The pressure on the quarterback was consistent throughout the night, and the secondary played with discipline, rarely giving up big plays or missed assignments. The Bears’ tackling was crisp, and there was a sense of urgency on every snap — something that points to strong internal competition and a motivated locker room. It was a complete team effort, and while there’s always the caution of not reading too much into preseason results, Chicago’s effort on both sides of the ball suggested something more foundational is being built.
In contrast, the Buffalo Bills’ performance left more questions than answers. While the absence of key starters explains part of the disparity, the lack of depth and cohesion among the backups was concerning. Missed blocks, dropped passes, and breakdowns in pass protection all contributed to an offense that never found a rhythm. Their defense, normally one of the league’s more reliable units, struggled to contain Chicago’s offense, particularly on the perimeter where speed and misdirection repeatedly created mismatches. While head coach Sean McDermott is unlikely to panic after one preseason game, the Bills will undoubtedly take this tape back to the facility and use it as a teaching tool, especially for younger players fighting for roster spots.
There’s also a psychological element to such a one-sided result, even in the preseason. For the Bears, the win isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about building momentum, confidence, and trust in the new systems being implemented. For players who’ve endured losing seasons or constant change, seeing tangible success, even briefly, reinforces the belief that the team is moving in the right direction. It energizes the fan base, solidifies the locker room, and gives the coaching staff something to build on. Preseason games may not count in the standings, but their impact internally — on morale, development, and cohesion — can be very real.
The Bears will look to carry this momentum into their remaining preseason games, continuing to test different rotations and evaluate depth while keeping their core players healthy. For the Bills, the goal will be to shake off the rust, reassess backup performances, and gear up for a regular season where expectations remain high. Both teams, in very different ways, will use this matchup as a measuring stick — one as a potential launchpad, the other as a wake-up call.
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