Dolphins and Bears Battle to a 24-24 Preseason Stalemate
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showcased his skills early in the preseason opener, leading the Miami Dolphins to a 24-24 tie against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. This game marked the debut of Ben Johnson as head coach for the Bears.
Tagovailoa, returning to action for the first time since 2021, completed 5 of 6 passes for 27 yards during a lengthy 15-play drive. However, the Dolphins were thwarted on their initial attempt to score due to a strong goal-line stand by the Bears.
On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, running back Jaylen Wright was denied by linebacker Noah Sewell. Wright later redeemed himself with a 7-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
Backup quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers took charge for Miami, orchestrating three touchdown drives. Jason Sanders contributed significantly with a 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, leveling the score at 24 with just over six minutes left.
With 11:48 remaining, Ewers connected on a 21-yard pass to Alexander Mattison during an eight-play, 41-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by rookie Ollie Gordon that gave Miami a brief lead at 21-17.
Wilson, who stepped in after the goal-line stand, completed 5 of 9 passes for 96 yards. His impressive throws included a 35-yard connection with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and a 34-yard pass to Tahj Washington, setting up Miami's second touchdown.
Having signed Wilson as a free agent after stints with the Jets and Broncos, the Dolphins are hopeful he can revitalize his career following his selection as the second overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Johnson, recognized as the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year last season while with Detroit, opted to rest starting quarterback Caleb Williams along with most of his first-string players, except for left tackle Braxton Jones, who is competing for his position against rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
In his first game at the helm, Johnson's defense made a significant impact, sacking Miami's quarterbacks six times. Defensive end Austin Booker was particularly effective, recording three sacks, including a crucial strip-sack at the Dolphins' 3-yard line that led to Case Keenum's touchdown pass to rookie Deion Hankins, giving Chicago a 17-14 advantage.
Bears kicker Cairo Santos faced competition from former Michigan State kicker Jonathan Kim but demonstrated his prowess by nailing a 57-yard field goal to close the first half, narrowing Miami's lead to 14-10. Santos' career-long field goal in regular-season play stands at 55 yards, achieved in 2020.
Injuries marred the game for both teams. Miami running back Alexander Mattison exited with a knee injury after a 21-yard reception and did not return. For Chicago, rookie safety Major Burns also suffered a knee injury in the first half and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. Running back Travis Homer (calf) and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (shoulder) also left and did not return.
The Dolphins will head to Detroit for joint practices and a preseason matchup against the Lions on August 16. Meanwhile, the Bears are set to hold joint practices with Buffalo before facing the Bills on Sunday.
