Bears and Dolphins Finish 24–24 in First Preseason Game

Photo: Reuters

On Sunday evening, August 10, 2025, the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins kicked off the NFL preseason with a 24–24 tie at Soldier Field. The game marked the Bears’ debut under new head coach Ben Johnson,

and the team held back top starter Caleb Williams, giving backups the spotlight instead. With strong defensive plays and a few standout moments from reserve signal-callers, both teams offered fans a thrilling evening despite no star names on the field.

Game Highlights
Opening Drive & Goal-Line Stand
Tua Tagovailoa, starting for Miami in an uncommon preseason appearance, crafted a patient opening drive—completing 5 of 6 passes for 27 yards over 15 plays. But the Bears’ defense stood tall at the goal line and refused to be breached, setting the tone for a physical contest.

Backup Quarterbacks Shine

• After Miami failed to capitalize on the opening drive, backups took charge:
• Zach Wilson (Dolphins) went 5 of 9 for 96 yards and engineered two scoring drives.
• Quinn Ewers, the rookie quarterback, finished 5 of 18 for 91 yards and kicked in 10 points during a lively fourth quarter.

On Chicago’s side:

• With no Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent stepped in—going 13 of 19 for 103 yards and one touchdown.
• Case Keenum took over in the second half, connecting twice in the end zone, including a key 14-yard pass to Jahdae Walker.

Clutch Field Goal and Final Stop
Late in the fourth quarter, Jason Sanders came in clutch, drilling a 56-yard field goal with 6:22 remaining to send the score to 24–24. In the final moments, Miami’s defense rose to the challenge, stopping the Bears’ final drive at the 41-yard line, sealing the tie.

Standout Performers
For the Bears

• Austin Booker made his mark on defense with three sacks, a forced fumble, and several tackles for loss.
• Noah Sewell delivered a critical goal-line tackle that kept Miami off the board early.
• On offense, rookie Kyle Monangai averaged an efficient 5 yards per carry on six rushes.
• Tyson Bagent displayed poise, and Case Keenum brought leadership in the second half.

For the Dolphins

• Tua Tagovailoa showed early accuracy.
• Zach Wilson flashed his arm strength, despite a few shaky moments.
• Quinn Ewers injected energy late in the game, keeping Miami in the contest.

Strategy and Context
Team Tactics
Coach Ben Johnson made a strategic decision to rest most of his primary starters, including QB Caleb Williams. This approach is common in preseason games, allowing teams to assess their depth and keep main players fresh for the regular season.

Chicago’s defense lived up to its reputation, attacking Miami’s backups with six sacks, including a key strip that led to a Bears touchdown.

The Purpose of Preseason
Preseason games are less about wins and more about testing players, evaluating depth, and preparing strategies. Fans get to see which backups might help, and coaches get insight into who can contribute during the season.

Team    Highlights

• Dolphins    Strong start by Tua; Wilson and Ewers both rallied late
• Bears    Bagent and Keenum both scored; Booker and Sewell vital defensively
• Result    A well-earned 24–24 tie; action-packed despite no starters

Why This Game Matters

• Backup Evaluation: Coaches gathered valuable data on second-string players who may be crucial during the long season.
• Early Defense Statement: The Bears showed their defense can be dominant even without starters.
• Exciting Football: This tie highlighted that strong competition and standout plays can make preseason meaningful.