Does the first start usually offer insight into how a quarterback will fare in Chicago? Jim McMahon beat Detroit 20-17. Jim Harbaugh lost 23-3. Cade McNown lost 20-16. Rex Grossman won 13-10. Mitch Trubisky lost 20-17. Justin Fields lost 26-6. Surprisingly, that is pretty accurate. McMahon and Grossman both reached the Super Bowl. That could put a little more pressure on Caleb Williams to get off on the right foot when he debuts for the Bears this September. A lot of it may come down to the opponent and where the game takes place.
Schedule leaks have finally begun as the official announcement nears. While nothing is cemented yet, there seems to be a general agreement about who teams will face in week one. That includes the Bears. They will be at home hosting the Tennessee Titans. It may not be the high-profile matchup that some expect, but it is a potential great bit of fortune for Chicago. The Titans were 6-11 last year and just got done overhauling their entire coaching staff. Their defense was in the bottom half of the league against the pass.
Of course, one year often makes a big difference.
Caleb Williams can get the season off on the right foot.
Tennessee was one of the most active teams in the off-season this year. They signed free agent receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, then traded for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. On paper, they are an improved team. However, so are the Bears. This game likely comes down to the trenches. Tennessee had 45 sacks last season. Protecting Williams will be a must for Chicago’s offensive line. Conversely, a trio of Ridley, Boyd, and DeAndre Hopkins will make for a tough first test for the Bears’ secondary.
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The Bears’ home openers have generally gone well over the past six years, going 4-2. Both losses came against Green Bay. They are undefeated against non-division opponents, which offers some hope that they won’t be in awe of the Titans. Caleb Williams is likely to face plenty of aggressive pressure packages from defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. It will be a great first test to see where his progress is regarding pre- and post-snap reads. This is a game the Bears can and should win.
