In an NFL debut filled with highs, lows, and a dramatic turnaround, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was given a lifeline by his defense in a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick, struggled throughout the game but found redemption through the efforts of the Bears’ defensive unit, particularly cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, whose game-changing interception return for a touchdown secured the comeback.
Rough Start for Chicago
The Bears, aiming to reverse the fortunes of two consecutive seasons with a combined 10-24 record, found themselves in a precarious position early on. Down 17-0 in the first half, Chicago’s offense was largely ineffective, with Williams having a rough start to his professional career. His final stat line — 14 completions from 29 attempts for just 93 yards and a passer rating of 55.7 — showcased the growing pains of transitioning from college stardom to the NFL.
Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California, had the pressure of being the first quarterback taken No. 1 overall since 2002 to win his debut start. Despite his challenges on the field, he made history, becoming the first rookie quarterback drafted at the top of the class to achieve this feat since David Carr led the Houston Texans to victory in his debut.
Defense Leads the Comeback Charge
After trailing by 17 points, Chicago’s defense clamped down on Tennessee, preventing them from adding any more points for the remainder of the game. The defensive dominance set the stage for an unexpected comeback, beginning with a special teams play that shifted momentum.
In the third quarter, Daniel Hardy blocked a punt, which Jonathan Owens scooped up and returned for a 21-yard touchdown, cutting Tennessee’s lead to 17-10. This pivotal moment electrified the crowd and drew a delighted reaction from Owens’ wife, Simone Biles, who took to social media to express her excitement.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Chicago’s defense came through once again. Cairo Santos added a 50-yard field goal to bring the Bears within striking distance at 17-13. The defense then forced a critical turnover when Darrell Taylor strip-sacked Tennessee quarterback Will Levis, with T.J. Edwards recovering the fumble at the Titans’ 31-yard line. However, the Bears settled for another field goal, narrowing the deficit to one point at 17-16.
The turning point came when DeMarcus Walker pressured Levis into a hurried throw. Stevenson capitalized on the mistake, intercepting the ball and racing 43 yards down the sideline for the go-ahead touchdown. A successful two-point conversion pass from Williams to running back D’Andre Swift pushed the score to 24-17.
Sealing the Victory
With just over a minute left in the game, the Bears’ defense again made a stand. Jaylon Johnson intercepted a deep fourth-down pass intended for Tyler Boyd at the Tennessee 40-yard line, effectively ending any hopes of a Titans comeback and sealing the win for Chicago. It was a fitting conclusion to a game in which the Bears’ defense had been the true hero.
Despite Williams’ struggles, the team found a way to rally, giving the crowd in Chicago something to cheer about after spending much of the game in frustration. Wide receiver DJ Moore had a quiet day with five catches for 36 yards, while Keenan Allen, in his Bears debut, managed only 29 yards receiving. Chicago’s offense finished with a meager 148 total yards, but the defense and special teams delivered when it mattered most.
Tennessee’s Woes
On the other side, Tennessee struggled offensively after their strong start. Will Levis, in his second season, completed 19 of 32 passes for 127 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. While Tony Pollard contributed with 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, it wasn’t enough to maintain the lead. The Titans, now under new head coach Brian Callahan, were left to rue their missed opportunities as their offense sputtered in the second half.
For Chicago, the win marks an important first step toward their playoff aspirations, even as their young quarterback adjusts to the professional level.
