The NFL preseason is back in full swing, and all eyes turned to Soldier Field on Saturday as the Chicago Bears hosted the Cleveland Browns in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup. With kickoff at 1:00 PM ET and national coverage on NFL Network, fans across the country tuned in to witness the start of a new chapter for both franchises. While preseason records rarely tell the whole story, this game offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future for two teams with plenty to prove and several intriguing storylines to follow.
For the Bears, the afternoon was all about depth and opportunity. Head coach Ben Johnson confirmed earlier in the week that star quarterback Caleb Williams and several other starters would be held out, opting for a cautious approach to preserve health ahead of the regular season. Williams, who electrified Chicago last year with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a trip to the Divisional Round, watched from the sidelines as backup Tyson Bagent took the reins. With Bagent under center, the focus shifted to roster hopefuls and position battles, giving fans a closer look at the players vying for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
"It's a chance for the younger guys to show what they can do," Johnson said before the game, emphasizing the importance of preseason reps for those on the bubble. Bagent, who passed for at least 103 yards in all three of last year's preseason contests and threw five touchdowns to just one interception, looked to build on his reputation as a reliable backup. The Bears also showcased their 1,000-yard rusher D'Andre Swift and breakout candidate Rome Odunze, though neither was expected to see significant action with the starters resting.
Across the field, the Browns entered the preseason opener with a much different agenda: a full-blown quarterback competition. Head coach Todd Monken, in his debut season at the helm, named veteran Deshaun Watson the starter for the first half, while second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders was set to take over after halftime. "The quarterback competition remains open," Monken told reporters, making it clear that nothing is set in stone for the regular season. Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler, was making his return to action after missing the 2025 campaign, aiming to reclaim his form after a 2024 season in which he started seven games, completed 63.4 percent of his passes, and threw five touchdowns to three interceptions.
Sanders, meanwhile, is coming off a rookie year filled with ups and downs. He completed just 56.6 percent of his passes, threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight appearances—seven as a starter. With the Browns missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, the pressure is on both quarterbacks to deliver and stake their claim as the franchise's future.
Adding to the intrigue, Cleveland could start as many as three rookies in key offensive positions. First-round picks Spencer Fano (left tackle) and Denzel Boston (wide receiver) were both highlighted as potential impact players, with third-round tackle Austin Barber also in the mix. Boston, in particular, drew attention after an impressive training camp and a standout college career at Washington, where he averaged 14.2 yards per reception and racked up 246 yards after the catch in his final season. According to Pro Football Focus, Boston earned an 87.7 overall grade, ranking 13th nationally among wideouts.
But not all of Cleveland's stars suited up for the opener. The Browns announced that several key players, including cornerback Tyson Campbell, tight end Joe Royer, wide receiver Cedric Tillman, and defensive tackles Mike Hall Jr., Sam Kamara, Kalia Davis, and Maliek Collins, were not expected to play. The absence of these contributors opened the door for younger players to shine, especially on the defensive line, which is adjusting to life without superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett, traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason for rising talent Jared Verse, leaves big shoes to fill for a Browns defense that already allowed 116.4 rushing yards per game last year—ranking 16th in the NFL.
The game itself wasted little time in delivering highlights. One of the afternoon's most electrifying moments came courtesy of Browns running back Dylan Sampson, who flashed his "turbo boost" on a 43-yard catch and run against the Bears. The play, quickly dubbed a 'Can't-Miss Play' by NFL.com, showcased Sampson's speed and vision and hinted at his potential as a weapon in Monken's new-look offense.
From a statistical perspective, both teams brought intriguing trends into the matchup. The Bears averaged an impressive 30.3 points per game in last year's preseason, while the Browns put up 23.7 points per contest. Chicago's defense, however, struggled in 2025—ranking 30th in EPA/play and surrendering the fifth-most passing touchdowns (32) in the league. The Bears' secondary allowed 227.2 passing yards per game, good for 22nd overall, and a 66.6% completion rate. These vulnerabilities made Cleveland's quarterback duel all the more interesting, as both Watson and Sanders looked to exploit a suspect pass defense.
For the Bears, Bagent's performance was under the microscope. He had passed for at least 91 yards in four of five appearances as a full-time quarterback in 2023 and was expected to surpass the 90.5-yard mark again. With the Browns' pass rush missing Myles Garrett, Bagent had a bit more time in the pocket to operate, giving Chicago's coaching staff a clearer picture of his command of the offense.
On the Browns' side, all eyes were on Denzel Boston's debut. The rookie wideout, elevated to the first-team offense during camp, was targeted for at least 22.5 receiving yards—a modest number for a player with big-play ability. With Sanders and Watson both eager to impress, Boston had every opportunity to make a splash in his first NFL action.
As the preseason opener unfolded, the atmosphere at Soldier Field was electric, even with many stars on the sidelines. Fans cheered every big play, from Sampson's breakaway run to timely defensive stops by both squads. While the score at press time remained unsettled, the storylines were clear: the Bears are building around a young core and evaluating their depth, while the Browns are searching for answers at quarterback and integrating a new wave of rookies.
With so many questions still to be answered and several key players yet to take the field, Saturday's contest served as a tantalizing preview of what's to come. The preseason may only be a dress rehearsal, but for the Bears and Browns, every snap matters as they lay the groundwork for the 2026 campaign. As the final whistle approaches, both teams will take away valuable lessons—and perhaps a few surprises—as the regular season draws ever closer.