The Chicago Bears lost 27-9 to the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on August 22, 2026, marking a disappointing performance in their second preseason game.
Why it matters: This loss showcases the Bears' struggles as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. With penalties and ineffective plays dominating the game, the coaching staff faces tough decisions moving forward.
The Bears finished the game with 11 penalties totaling 81 yards, severely impacting their performance.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, in his preseason debut, went 2-for-5 for 28 yards and missed a wide-open touchdown opportunity.
Head coach Ben Johnson expressed frustration over the team's execution, particularly on third downs.
Defensive struggles were evident, with the Bears allowing several touchdowns and failing to capitalize on opportunities.
Driving the news: The Bears started strong with a field goal on their opening drive but quickly faltered. Their inability to score a touchdown throughout the game raised concerns about their offensive capabilities.
Williams led a 33-yard drive that resulted in a Cairo Santos field goal, giving the Bears an early 3-0 lead.
Following the initial success, the Bears' offense stagnated, failing to find the end zone for the remainder of the game.
Case Keenum, who took over in the second half, struggled significantly, completing only a fraction of his passes.
State of play: The Bears' performance was marred by penalties and poor third-down efficiency, factors that have plagued them throughout the preseason.
Chicago converted just 2 of 14 third downs, highlighting their offensive struggles.
The defense allowed multiple touchdowns, with notable lapses in coverage leading to easy scores for the Bengals.
Skyler Thomas recorded an interception, the lone takeaway for the Bears, but it failed to spark a turnaround.
The big picture: As the Bears navigate through preseason, the coaching staff must address the evident issues before the regular season begins.
Ben Johnson's play-calling strategy included handing off offensive duties to tight ends coach Jim Dray in the second half.
Defensive backs coach Al Harris took over defensive play-calling during the latter part of the game.
Injuries to key players, including linebacker Nephi Sewell, compounded the team’s challenges.
What they're saying: Postgame comments from head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the disappointment felt within the locker room.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the preseason or not,” Johnson said. “It’s a bad feeling in that locker room after the game when you lose, especially like that.”
Johnson also highlighted the need for players to stack good performances, particularly noting running back Roschon Johnson's contributions.
By the numbers: The statistics from the game paint a clear picture of the Bears' struggles.
The Bears finished with 11 penalties, which significantly hindered their ability to maintain drives.
They achieved only 2 successful third-down conversions out of 14 attempts, underscoring their offensive inefficiency.
Caleb Williams' performance included a missed opportunity for a touchdown pass, raising questions about his readiness as a starter.
Between the lines: The competition for the RB3 position between Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed is heating up, with both players showing potential.
Johnson had 12 carries for 42 yards, demonstrating his ability to gain yards, especially in tough situations.
Ahmed, on the other hand, had 50 yards on nine touches, making a strong case for his position on the roster.
This competition may force the Bears to carry four running backs, a decision influenced by last year's injury struggles.
What's next: The Bears will regroup after this loss and prepare for their final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
After two days off, the team returns to Halas Hall for practice on Tuesday.
Coaches will evaluate player performances closely to finalize roster decisions ahead of the regular season.
With the regular season approaching, the Bears must address their shortcomings to avoid a repeat of this performance.