Chicago Bears Week 1 Notes: Simply Not Ready

After a promising start, the Chicago Bears failed to put away a playoff divisional rival and made too any costly mistakes resulting in a win to slip through their fingers. scoring a TD on the opening drive

Offense:

• After failing to score a TD on ANY opening drive last season, the 2025 Bears marched down the field and scored a TD against the Vikings Monday night.
• Caleb missed some shots downfield early, but I liked how quick he was to check down and how he used his legs all day. The amount of times he had to escape pressure concerns me. Flashbacks to last season.
• Run game push was suspect all night.
• Terrific connection with Odunze to convert 3rd down on extended play for Caleb. Thing of beauty. Didn’t quite connect in the 4th quarter though, despite hitting Odunze’s hands.
• Caleb’s elusiveness was the key to the first half. His score was fantastic – reached 20+mph too, which was 10th highest fastest by QB since start of last season.
• Run game is a concern. OL blocking more than anything, but no RB could make something happen.
• That said – the run sets up the play-action even when its ineffective.
• Far too many pre-snap penalties. Yes, one bogus holding call on Wright, but overall, we shot ourselves in the foot. 12 for 127 to be exact. Unacceptable. Will not win in this league with so many penalties.
• Jonah Jackson looks suspect. Penalties and missed assignments.
• Drew Dalman better have better days as a Bear.
• Overall, I was disappointed in Caleb and the offense. He either didn’t see when his WR were open, refused to pull the trigger or missed them. The pre-snap penalties were a killer and the run game was below average. But if he hit some of those big throws, the game is much different.
• Side note – not a fan of his untucked loose grey shirt and black sleeve. I am no fashion police, but that was not a clean look for any player, let alone the face of the franchise.

Defense:

• Solid pressure from the DL early. Dexter and Dayo with some good push. Jarrett active.
• Bad missed tackle by Edmunds on the backup TE.
• Nashon Wright poor coverage on Aaron Jones resulting in PI. He made up for it with a CLUTCH pick 6 later on, but missing our top two DB’s and TJ Edwards hurt.
• Dayo showing up in run game setting edge.
• Tyrique Stevenson looks slimmer. We not victimized like I may have expected. Held his own though he did have a bogus illegal contact penalty called on him.
• Jordan Mason gave us problems all night and sealed the game with strong running. I was concerned coming into this one and he validated my concerns.
• Noah Sewell looks like he belongs. Faster than I expected. Bringing the pop on his tackles. Looked like he was...