Bills vs Bears Preseason Game: Full Breakdown and Highlights
Game Recap: Bears Dominate, Bills Evaluate
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Chicago Bears delivered a resounding 38‑0 shutout over the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game at Soldier Field.
Highlights from the matchup include:
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Rookie QB Caleb Williams made his preseason debut, leading a 92‑yard opening-drive touchdown, finishing 6-of-10 for 107 yards and a touchdown—boasting a stellar 130.0 passer rating.
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Tyson Bagent, stepping in, threw an 11‑yard touchdown pass to Tyler Scott, contributing to the halftime lead.
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Brittain Brown and Ian Wheeler each rushed in touchdowns, with Wheeler adding a second in the fourth quarter.
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The Bears’ defense dominated, shutting out Buffalo entirely, with key plays from Amen Ogbongbemiga (forced fumble), Austin Booker and Andrew Billings (sacks).
Meanwhile, the Bills rested starters, including MVP QB Josh Allen and RB James Cook, focusing instead on evaluating depth under preseason conditions.
Injuries and Off‑Field Moments
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The Bears suffered injuries to several young defenders: cornerback Terell Smith (knee, carted off), Austin Booker (knee), Dominique Robinson (ankle), J.P. Richardson (ankle), and Deion Hankins (knee).
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For the Bills, defensive back Jordan Hancock exited with a shoulder injury.
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A tender moment off the field: Josh Allen warmed hearts by tossing a brief catch with a young fan before the game, exemplifying his character even while not playing.
Stats Overview
| Category | Buffalo Bills | Chicago Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Starters Playing | Most rested (e.g., Josh Allen) | Caleb Williams, some backups |
| Quarterbacks | Primarily backups (e.g., Trubisky, White) | Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent |
| Score | 0 points | 38 points |
| Offensive Highlights | Limited action | Long TD drive, effective ground game |
| Defensive Highlights | Played backups | Forced fumbles, sacks, aggressive coverage |
| Injuries | Jordan Hancock (shoulder) | Multiple young defenders injured |
| Notable Moment | Josh Allen connects with a fan | Williams’ debut + stellar preseason showing |
What to Watch Moving Forward
1. Quarterback Picture
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Caleb Williams impressed in limited time, raising expectations for his role under new coach Ben Johnson.
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For the Bills, the backups—including former Bear Mitch Trubisky—face an opportunity to vie for roles, especially given ongoing QB battles and preseason depth tests.
2. Injury Watch
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The Bears must now adjust plans around their injured defenders. Coverage depth and recovery timelines will shape early regular-season rotations.
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Monitor the severity and progression of all reported injuries—especially Terell Smith's knee.
3. O-Line Clarity
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Chicago is still seeking the best option at left tackle to protect Caleb Williams' blind side. A competitive battle among several candidates continues into the preseason.
4. Player Storylines
Several players enter the spotlight:
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Curtis Samuel’s injury woes put his roster spot at risk.
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Elijah Moore looks to bounce back after fading through OTAs.
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Chicago's Luther Burden III continues to shine, both as a receiver and a physical blocker, emerging as a key contributor.
5. Broadcast Spotlight
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The game was televised without Fox’s top commentary duo. Instead, Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, sideline reporter Pam Oliver, and analyst Mike Pereira took over the call.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s preseason clash framed a tale of depth, development, and determination. The Bears looked revitalized—energized by Caleb Williams' debut, physical play across the roster, and promising contributions from emerging players. Yet injuries cloud the horizon. The Bills, while conservative in deployment, showed flashes of hopeful futures—starting with their unflappable leader, Josh Allen, off the field and ready to lead when the games count.
