Matchup Preview: Chicago Bears set to welcome the Miami Dolphins for Week One of Preseason Football
Football is finally back; more importantly, Chicago Bears football is back. There is so much to be excited about for not only this game, but also the entire season. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and savor each week of football as we’ve waited so long all offseason to see the Bears suit up again. Let's hop right into things to look for in Sunday's game.
Ben Johnson’s Offensive Scheme:
Most fans anticipate a major change with former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson debuting in his head coaching role for the Bears. What makes fans so excited is Johnson’s offense. According to StatMuse, his offense was second in total yards (6,962) and led the league in points (564) and points per game (33.2). In this game, look to see him experiment with players in different positions and roles to see what fits best. For example, DJ Moore took reps at running back in camp.
Denis Allen’s new defense:
Like the offense, there is also a new face on the defensive side of the ball from New Orleans, with Dennis Allen as the defensive coordinator. Allen looks to bolster this already strong defense. According to Pro Football Reference, the Bears had the 13th-best defense for points against in 2024. Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa will probably not play much, if not at all. Look for Zach Wilson or former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Look for Allen to use pressure from his defensive line to let the Bears’ string secondary.
Key Players to Look For:
Kyle Monangai-
A rookie running back from Rutgers with the physicality eerily reminiscent of David Montgomery. Monangai runs with a purpose, recording 1,279 yards in 2024 and averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Drafted in the 7th round of this year's draft, this could be Johnson’s third-down back for this game.
Austin Booker-
Taken in last year's draft in the 5th round, the Bears are longing for an edge to put on the other side of Montez Sweat. Look for Booker to get a good amount of reps this game against an iffy Dolphins offensive line, and a lack of depth at their line could give the 6 '6 defensive lineman a good day, depending on his reps.
Tyson Bagent-
Bagent joined the Bears in 2023 as an undrafted free agent and is considered the bona fide second-string quarterback in this offense. Johnson has even sung his praises at an August 5th press conference, saying, “I mean, he’s smart as a whip. Appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a room. Meeting room, walk-through, it doesn’t matter. He’s locked in, he’s focused….I think he’s taken this seriously. He’s preparing the right way. And I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s here with us.” High praise is coming to a second-string quarterback who isn’t your 1st overall pick from the previous year. Look for him to get at least a quarter in Sunday’s game, maybe even two.