CHICAGO (104.3 The Score) — The Bears had a winning Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field by beating the Browns, 34-10, in their preseason opener.
The Browns scored the first 10 points of this game before the Bears did the rest of the scoring, with their roster depth shining throughout the day. Here are the three takeaways from the Bears' victory to start their exhibition slate.
Starters watch from the sidelines
A year ago, it was important for quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears to benefit from preseason snaps. They were still settling in with head coach Ben Johnson's offense and struggling to grow comfortable in Johnson's first season in Chicago.
It's different this year. Williams has shined throughout training camp and is showcasing his confidence in leading the Bears' offense. It's why Johnson had no reservations in holding Williams out of the preseason opener Saturday – and likely the next two exhibitions.
"I don't know that I need to see (preseason) game snaps," Johnson said. "What we're trying to assess is the volume throughout the week and making sure we're hitting our benchmarks to make sure our team is ready to go for a 17-plus game season. That's what we're looking to do.
"Do I need to see Caleb Williams in the preseason? No, I don't. I see him every single day in practice, and I know what we're going to get come the season."
The Bears have structured their practices with game-like scenarios – two-minute drills, end-of-half and end-of-game situations, red-zone work, short-yardage sequences and every imaginable possibility. The difference in practice is that Williams is protected from contact.
Williams has led hundreds and hundreds of snaps in camp that were designed by Johnson to build him up for the season. The same goes for every key starter on the roster. The Bears believe the volume of their practice work will have their team ready for meaningful games starting September.
The Bears will hold joint practices prior to their next two preseason games. First comes a session with the Bengals in Cincinnati next Thursday, then another one with the Titans in Nashville on Aug. 27. It's hard to imagine Williams and key starters playing in the exhibition games after working through those joint practices.
Johnson leans on the Bears' sports science department while making his decisions on whom to play in the preseason. The goal is to preserve key players for the long haul of the regular season. That means structuring practice accordingly. Williams, the starting units and the Bears will be back on the practice field Sunday afternoon in Lake Forest.
With Williams resting Saturday, the Bears turned to Tyson Bagent as their starting quarterback. He went 13-of-22 for 169 yards, one touchdown and an interception in leading action in the first half. Veteran Case Keenum and rookie Miller Moss finished out the game at quarterback.
Catching on at wide receiver?
Johnson's vision for the Bears' passing game is to get all of his personnel involved. In particular, there are opportunities for wide receivers to emerge. Two players have made a strong case for the 53-man roster.
Kaden Davis and Maurice Alexander have put themselves in the mix to earn a roster spot for the Bears at wide receiver. Davis had four receptions for 88 yards in the first half Saturday, showcasing his strong connection with Bagent. Alexander caught three passes for 42 yards and a score.
Davis has bounced around the NFL since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He spent much of the 2024 offseason and preseason with the Lions while Johnson was in Detroit.
He has caught the Bears' attention throughout camp. Bagent sees Davis' familiarity with Johnson's offense as part of why he has let his talent shine.
"You mesh those things together and it usually ends pretty well," Bagent said. "Which is why we've seen him have success before."
Alexander joined the Bears in early 2025 after previously playing for the Lions from 2022-'24, mostly on the practice squad. He played in one game in 2025 while primarily serving on the practice squad.
With Luther Burden III (groin) sidelined from practice, the Bears' need for depth at wide receiver has been on display. Rome Odunze and Kalif Raymond have set roles, while rookie Zavion Thomas is still learning on the fly.
Beyond that, there's opportunity knocking for players like Alexander and Davis.
Next man up at the nickel
It's still unclear when Bears nickelback Kyler Gordon will be healthy. He remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list while managing a calf injury suffered prior to training camp.
But it's clear the Bears are frustrated with Gordon, who has struggled to stay healthy. Because of that, they're looking at other options for the nickel position. That includes rookie Malik Muhammad, who has gotten an early opportunity.
Muhammad logged five tackles Saturday in his preseason debut. He has worked as the starter for the Bears with Gordon still sidelined.
"He's been good, man," Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris said of Muhammad. "Does everything that he's asked to do. Very cerebral player, but he's extremely coachable, and he's doing a good job."
A fourth-round pick out of Texas, Muhammad had the opportunity to stay in school and rise higher in the draft next year. Instead, he declared early, and the Bears took a chance on him.
Muhammad could very well be a player who fills a key role for the Bears' defense this season and beyond.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
