The Tennessee Titans vs Chicago Bears Match Player Stats kicked off the 2024 NFL season with an electrifying matchup on September 8 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Bears pulled off a stunning 24-17 comeback victory after trailing 17-0 at halftime, showcasing their defensive prowess and resilience. For fans eager to dive into the nitty-gritty of the game, this article breaks down the key player stats, standout performances, and critical moments that defined this Week 1 clash. Whether you’re a die-hard Titans or Bears fan or just love football, this easy-to-read analysis will give you a clear picture of how the game unfolded.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The Titans came out strong, dominating the first half with a 17-0 lead, thanks to a solid offensive performance and a few Bears miscues. However, Chicago’s defense and special teams took over in the second half, forcing three turnovers and scoring two non-offensive touchdowns to secure the win. The Bears’ total offensive output was a mere 148 yards—the lowest for a winning team in Week 1—but their ability to capitalize on Tennessee’s mistakes made all the difference. Let’s dive into the player stats and see who shined (and who struggled) in this thrilling opener.
Tennessee Titans: Key Player Stats
Quarterback: Will Levis
Will Levis, in his second year as the Titans’ starting quarterback, had a mixed performance. He completed 19 of 32 passes for 127 yards, throwing one touchdown but also two costly interceptions, including a pick-six that turned the game in Chicago’s favor. His passer rating was a modest 52.5, reflecting a game where he struggled under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter. Levis also fumbled once, with the Bears recovering at the Tennessee 31-yard line, setting up a field goal. Despite a strong first half, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, Levis’ turnovers were pivotal in the Titans’ collapse.
Running Back: Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard was a bright spot for the Titans, rushing for 82 yards on 16 carries and scoring a 26-yard touchdown in the first quarter. His explosive run capped an eight-play, 79-yard drive that gave Tennessee an early 7-0 lead. Pollard’s ability to break tackles and gain tough yards kept the Titans’ offense moving, especially in the first half. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry, showcasing his value as a lead back in Brian Callahan’s new offensive scheme.
Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley led the Titans’ receiving corps with 50 yards on three receptions. His most notable play was a 22-yard catch on third-and-15, which sustained a 14-play drive that ended in a touchdown. While Ridley didn’t find the end zone, his ability to get open and make clutch catches was evident. Other receivers, like Tyler Boyd (3 receptions, 18 yards), provided minimal support, leaving Levis with limited options in the passing game.
Defense: Harold Landry III
On the defensive side, linebacker Harold Landry III stood out with one sack and three solo tackles. The Titans’ defense held Chicago to just 11 first downs and 148 total yards, a testament to their ability to control the game for long stretches. However, they couldn’t overcome the offense’s turnovers and a critical special teams error, which allowed the Bears to stay in the game.
Special Teams: Nick Folk
Veteran kicker Nick Folk was reliable, hitting a 40-yard field goal in the second quarter to extend Tennessee’s lead to 10-0. However, the Titans’ special teams unit faltered when a punt was blocked in the third quarter, leading to a Bears touchdown that shifted momentum.
Chicago Bears: Key Player Stats
Quarterback: Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his highly anticipated debut but struggled to find his rhythm. He completed 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, with no touchdowns and a passer rating of 55.7. Williams didn’t throw any interceptions, but his accuracy was inconsistent, and the Titans’ defense pressured him throughout the game. Despite the lackluster stats, Williams became the first No. 1 overall pick to win his debut since David Carr in 2002, thanks to his team’s defensive and special teams heroics. His composure in the face of a 17-point deficit showed promise for the young quarterback.
Running Back: D’Andre Swift
D’Andre Swift led the Bears’ rushing attack with 30 yards on 10 carries, averaging a modest 3.0 yards per carry. The Titans’ stout run defense limited Swift’s impact, but he did catch a two-point conversion pass in the fourth quarter, which helped seal the 24-17 lead. The Bears’ ground game struggled overall, with only 55 rushing yards as a team, highlighting an area for improvement.
Wide Receiver: DJ Moore
DJ Moore was Chicago’s leading receiver, hauling in five catches for 36 yards. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping, Moore was a reliable target for Williams, especially on shorter routes. Keenan Allen, another key receiver, had four receptions for 29 yards, while rookie Rome Odunze added one catch for 11 yards in a limited role. The Bears’ passing game was stifled by Tennessee’s defense, but their receivers made enough plays to keep drives alive.
Defense: Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson
The Bears’ defense was the story of the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they forced three turnovers. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson delivered the game-changing moment with a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving Chicago their first lead at 24-17. Stevenson’s pick-six came when Levis, under pressure from DeMarcus Walker, threw a desperate pass that landed in his hands. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson sealed the victory with an interception at the Bears’ 40-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Linebacker T.J. Edwards also had a monster game, leading the team with 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
Special Teams: Jonathan Owens and Daniel Hardy
The Bears’ special teams unit provided a critical spark in the third quarter. Daniel Hardy blocked a Ryan Stonehouse punt, and Jonathan Owens scooped it up for a 21-yard touchdown return, cutting the Titans’ lead to 17-10. This play ignited the Soldier Field crowd and shifted momentum toward Chicago. Kicker Cairo Santos was perfect, hitting field goals from 24, 48, and 50 yards, with his final two kicks bringing the Bears within one point before Stevenson’s touchdown.
Team Tennessee Titans vs Chicago Bears Match Player Stats Comparison
|
Category |
Tennessee Titans |
Chicago Bears |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
244 | 148 |
|
Passing Yards |
104 | 93 |
|
Rushing Yards |
140 | 55 |
|
First Downs |
16 | 11 |
|
Turnovers |
3 | 1 |
|
Possession Time |
34:54 | 25:06 |
|
Third Down Conv. |
3/14 (21.4%) | 2/13 (15.4%) |
The Titans outgained the Bears by nearly 100 yards and controlled the clock, but their three turnovers—all in the fourth quarter—proved costly. Chicago’s defense and special teams made the difference, scoring 14 points without relying on their offense.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
-
Titans’ Early Dominance: Tennessee jumped out to a 7-0 lead with Pollard’s 26-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. They extended it to 10-0 with Folk’s field goal after a Velus Jones Jr. fumble on a kickoff return. Levis’ 17-yard touchdown pass to Okonkwo made it 17-0, capping a 14-play drive.
-
Bears’ Halftime Response: Just before halftime, DeAndre Carter’s 67-yard kickoff return set up a 24-yard field goal by Santos, giving Chicago their first points and a glimmer of hope at 17-3.
-
Special Teams Spark: Early in the third quarter, Hardy’s blocked punt and Owens’ touchdown return brought the Bears within 17-10, energizing the team and the crowd.
-
Fourth-Quarter Turnovers: The Bears’ defense took over in the final quarter. Darrell Taylor’s strip-sack led to a fumble recovery by Edwards, setting up a Santos field goal. Stevenson’s pick-six gave Chicago the lead, and Johnson’s late interception sealed the deal.
Standout Performances
-
Tony Pollard (Titans): His 82 yards and touchdown were a highlight for Tennessee, showing he could be a workhorse back in 2024.
-
Tyrique Stevenson (Bears): The second-year cornerback’s pick-six was the game’s defining play, earning him praise as a rising star in Chicago’s secondary.
-
T.J. Edwards (Bears): With 15 tackles and a fumble recovery, Edwards was a tackling machine and a leader on defense.
-
Jonathan Owens (Bears): His special teams touchdown was a momentum-changer, and his wife, Simone Biles, celebrated his play on social media, adding a fun storyline to the game.
Areas for Improvement
For the Titans, ball security is a major concern. Levis’ three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) directly led to 17 Bears points. Tennessee’s defense played well, but their special teams need to address the blocked punt that swung momentum. The passing game also needs more production from receivers beyond Ridley to support Levis.
For the Bears, the offense was a weak point. Williams’ debut was underwhelming, with only 93 passing yards and no touchdowns. The running game, led by Swift, couldn’t get going against Tennessee’s front. While the defense and special teams carried the day, Chicago will need more from their offense to compete against stronger opponents.
Historical Context
This game marked the 14th meeting between the Titans and Bears, with Tennessee holding a 7-7 record all-time. The Bears’ comeback tied for the fourth-largest in franchise history, matching their 2020 rally against Detroit. Chicago’s 148 yards were the fewest in a winning effort since a 2021 loss to Cleveland, underscoring how dominant their defense and special teams were. The game also highlighted the Bears’ knack for winning without offensive touchdowns, a rare feat in the Super Bowl era.
What’s Next?
The Titans (0-1) return home to face the New York Jets in Week 2, looking to clean up their mistakes and build on Pollard’s strong performance. The Bears (1-0) travel to Houston for a Sunday night matchup, hoping Williams and the offense can find their footing. Both teams showed flashes of potential but have clear areas to address as the season progresses.
Why This Game Matters
For Titans fans, the loss was a bitter pill, as their team controlled much of the game but faltered in crunch time. For Bears fans, the comeback was a sign of a new culture under coach Matt Eberflus, with a defense and special teams unit capable of carrying the team. The game also showcased the NFL’s unpredictability—yards and stats don’t always tell the story, as Chicago proved with their gritty, opportunistic win.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Titans vs Chicago Bears Match Player Stats Week 1 matchup was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Bears’ defense and special teams stealing the show in a 24-17 victory. Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley kept Tennessee in control early, but Will Levis’ turnovers and a blocked punt opened the door for Chicago’s comeback. Tyrique Stevenson, T.J. Edwards, and Jonathan Owens were the heroes for the Bears, while Caleb Williams’ debut showed room for growth. As both teams move forward, this game will serve as a reminder that points, not yards, win games in the NFL.