Bears vs. Titans: Everything we know about Chicago's Week 1 win

The Chicago Bears (1-0) had to go back to their franchise roots of defense and special teams for a miraculous 24-17 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans (0-1) in Week 1.

With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears offense struggling throughout the game, a narrative well known in Chicago, the defense and special teams carried the team to an incredible comeback win.

Scoring 24 unanswered points, including a pick-six by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Jonathan Owens, the Bears were able to flip the game on its head and pick up the victory in dramatic fashion. Starting the season victorious, here's everything we know about the Bears' regular-season opener:

Final Score: Bears 24, Titans 17

Keys to the game

Offensive line woes continue: It wasn't so much that the Bears gave up a bunch of sacks or had a ton of penalties, but the pressure they gave up was beyond disruptive. Center Coleman Shelton especially was roughed up throughout giving up multiple pressures and as a whole, the offensive line gave up two sacks on the day, but it felt as if Caleb Williams never got into rhythm on offense. If the team will continue to get pushed around by a stout defensive line, it could be a long year for the offensive line and Williams who will have to adjust on the fly.

The offense will have growing pains: This was the first time since 1985 in which the Bears won a game without 150 or more yards on offense, yet they got the job done. Williams was pressured, rushed, and uncomfortable all game. At halftime, head coach Matt Eberflus wouldn't fully blame the rookie and said that there were several dropped balls by the receivers, which is true, but that's not an acceptable excuse. This offense with new coordinator Shane Waldron had moments, but the defensive pressure was far too great for the offense to get into rhythm. It wasn't productive through either the pass or the run game, so while fans have high expectations for Williams and the offense, there will be games in which there are growing pains.

Defense and special teams will be crucial: Outside of the pick-six and another late interception, the Bears defense got after the Tennessee offense and made life difficult for Will Levis in the second half. They had quite the struggle in the first half against the run, but once things got settled down, Chicago's defense and special teams made sure to go win this game and carry the load. Daniel Hardy blocked the punt that led to the Owens touchdown, and an ill-advised throw from Levis led to the Tyrique Stevenson pick-six. It should also be noted that the defense appeared to have all the charisma and energy throughout the game, showing that if they need to be leaned on, they're more than willing to accept the challenge.

It was over when...

Facing fourth-and-10 from the Tennessee 40-yard line with 1:15 left, Levis lofted a deep pass intended for receiver Tyler Boyd. But it was picked off by cornerback Jaylon Johnson effectively sealing the game and giving Chicago its first win of the 2024 NFL season.

4 stars of the game

*Darrell Taylor: Acquiring the edge rusher right before the end of the preseason for a sixth-round 2025 draft pick, Taylor instantly made it worth while for the Bears defense. Ending the day with two sacks, including a strip-sack recovered by T.J. Edwards, Taylor was all over the place. Much attention has been deservingly given to Montez Sweat coming into the 2024 season, but Taylor could certainly be a part of the answer for those wondering who opposite of Sweat could get after opposing quarterbacks following his production in Week 1.

**T.J. Edwards: With the defense taking the spotlight, Edwards' production should not be overlooked. Not only did he have a crucial fumble recovery, but he totaled 15 tackles, including two tackles-for-loss. No matter where the ball was, Edwards wasn't far behind and the consistent tackling helped keep the game in control and the defense locked in against the Tennessee offense. High tackle numbers may not always make the difference, but keeping the Titans in front of him, Edwards kept the Bears defense alive in this one.

***Tyrique Stevenson: Talking about an attitude, Stevenson played with one all game. Multiple times Stevenson was involved getting tangled up with TItans wide receiver Trey Burks, and when the Bears needed the biggest play of the game, Stevenson delivered with his pick-six. Jaylon Johnson was his usual lockdown self most of the game, but Stevenson, getting tested and more opportunities because of Johnson's play, made the most of it and had the eventual game-winning touchdown when the defense was rolling. Stevenson set the tone and ended the game with his play.

****DeAndre Carter: Although it was the defensive side of the ball and defensive side of the special teams that scored, DeAndre Carter undoubtedly changed the game for the offense. Even though Williams and the offense did not come away with any touchdowns on the day, Carter proved to be a valuable asset while the offense struggled to move the ball down the field. Carter flipped the field position throughout the game and when Velus Jones Jr. had a costly first-half fumble, Carter and Khalil Herbert were the mainstays on special teams and Carter specifically was a big part of the field position battle in this game.

What's next

The Bears will continue their stance against the AFC South, this time in prime time, when they face the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year, C.J. Stroud, should most certainly be up for the challenge against a relentless Bears defense that made life hard on Levis and the Titans offense. There is very little reason to believe Chicago will find success against a Texans playoff team from last season, especially if the offense doesn't start clicking on all cylinders. Houston presents a much tougher challenge than the Titans, and if the Bears want to prove where they are, they'll have to show up on all sides of the ball next Sunday night.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Titans: Everything we know about Chicago's Week 1 win