It’s been many moons since the Chicago Bears suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoffs. That put an end to what became a magical 2025 season that included an NFC North title and a playoff win over the rival Green Bay Packers.
When training camp opened in July, there was a new level of intensity coming from Halas Hall, and head coach Ben Johnson was leading the charge as expected. From Day 1, it felt like a group motivated to be even better. Once practices started for real with pads, the games began. There is no treading lightly for this team. They are already used to hitting, being hit, and competing at maximum effort.
That was evident in the Bears' 34-10 preseason win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. While quarterback Caleb Williams and most of the starters didn't play, it provided an opportunity for other players battling for roster spots and starting jobs.
The first quarter was what you would expect from a Bears team dressing second-team players. The offense looked sloppy. Tyson Bagent missed some throws, receivers didn’t give him much help, and the run game was unable to get going. The quarter ended.
On defense, they held the Browns to a field goal, and a few players were noticeable. Linebacker Jack Sanborn, who re-signed with the Bears this offseason, made an impact with his tackling. There is a clear energy in his game, as it’s no secret that he is thrilled to be back.
Cornerback Malik Muhammad and safety Dillon Thieneman made tackles as well, as both rookies made their preseason debut in the NFL. With some of the injuries that the Bears have already sustained in camp, getting production from these two rookies is important.
Right at the start of the second quarter, a couple of big plays by the Browns on offense led to them finding the end zone. This defensive drive was a lot more unorganized for the Bears, which can happen as key players start to exit the game.
When the Bears got the ball back, they started to pick up some steam. Wide receiver Kaden Davis, who is considered to be a player playing for a job in the preseason, had an up-and-down drive. He was the target of a big completion that got the Bears into field goal range, but a key drop while he was wide open stalled the drive. Cairo Santos would then miss a field goal from 50 yards.
One player who was noticeable in the second quarter was defensive end Jamree Kromah, who had a strip sack on quarterback Deshaun Watson and recovered it, giving the Bears the ball back after the missed field goal. From there, Bagent drove them down the field for a touchdown. It was capped off with a 25-yard completion from Bagent to Maurice Alexander. Of course, this entire sequence led to the first points of Chicago’s preseason.
With under two minutes remaining in the first half, Bagent threw an interception, and it looked like that would be the end of his day. However, a quick three-and-out by Cleveland’s offense gave Bagent another chance to go out on a better note.
Davis made a brilliant catch with 28 seconds left, which gave him 88 yards on the day in just one half. The drop he had in the first quarter will be long forgotten after the performance that he ended up having. Santos ended up kicking a 51-yard field goal to tie the game at 10-10 heading into halftime.
It was a typical first preseason half, but the standout players mentioned all left feeling good about their performances. As the games go on, the opposition will become more resistant, so nobody can get too comfortable.
The second half started to see more players inserted into the game who don’t have high chances of making the 53-man roster or at least starting much in 2026.
Case Keenum, who will make the team as the third-string quarterback, completed a screen pass early in the third quarter to running back Salvon Ahmed, who ran it 49 yards into the end zone. On the play, Caden Barnett made a name for himself by having a couple of key blocks for Ahmed along the way. This brilliant play gave the Bears their first lead of the game.
Other players of note from the game include defensive tackle James Lynch, rookie tight end Sam Roush, and left tackle Kiran Amegadjie en route to a 34-10 victory. Chicago’s depth players outperformed Cleveland’s depth players, led by their quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
One thing that is incredibly obvious about the Bears under Johnson is that they are incredibly committed to doing the right thing. It doesn't matter if it is a preseason game with third-string players in; they are creating good habits and work ethic with every snap. That mentality will help them go through a very difficult schedule and be prepared for any potential adversity.
Overall, despite sloppiness on both sides of the ball from time to time, it was a good first step. Next up, a hard week of joint practice followed by preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Instant analysis from Bears' 34-10 preseason win vs. Browns