Introduction to the Game
The Bears are trailing the Dolphins 14-10 at halftime of their preseason opener. With most of the Bears’ starters sitting out, the team’s backups have had to step up and fill the void.
First Half Performance
The Bears’ backups had two bright spots in the first half: a goal-line stop against Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a smattering of their starters, and a touchdown pass from quarterback Tyson Bagent to fourth-stringer Maurice Alexander with 4:43 left in the second quarter. Tagovailoa played one series and completed 5 of 6 passes for 27 yards, while Bears starting quarterback Caleb Williams did not dress.
Notable Players
The Bears’ most productive players in the first half were rookie running back Kyle Monangai, with six carries for 30 yards, and wide receiver Devin Duvernay, with three catches for 27 yards. Duverney is near-certain to make the team primarily as a return man. Bagent finished the half 12 of 18 for 90 yards with a touchdown and an interception for a 73.8 passer rating.
Coaching Decisions
The only first-string players coach Ben Johnson played Sunday were rookie tight end Colston Loveland, left tackle Braxton Jones, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. It was not clear whether Stevenson was playing because he is in a position battle with Nahshon Wright and Terell Smith or as a consequence for fighting in the joint practice with the Dolphins on Friday. Johnson warned players before practice Friday that anyone who fought would have to play.
Halftime Score
Cairo Santos nailed a 57-yard field goal from the right hash with room to spare as time ran out at the end of the half, bringing the score to 14-10 in favor of the Dolphins.
Second Half Expectations
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start for Caleb Williams and likely will play the first half. It’s a key opportunity for him and several other players. As Johnson and Williams try to align their visions in their first season together, they can learn a lot from McDaniel’s work with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
Conclusion
The Bears’ first preseason game against the Dolphins is an important dry run for coach Ben Johnson and the team. Despite trailing 14-10 at halftime, there were positive performances from the team’s backups, including quarterback Tyson Bagent and rookie running back Kyle Monangai. The second half will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game and providing valuable experience for the team’s players.
FAQs
Q: Who is starting for the Bears in the preseason opener?
A: Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is starting for Caleb Williams.
Q: What is the current score of the game?
A: The Dolphins are leading
