Bears coach Ben Johnson: starters slated to play in preseason finale against Chiefs
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said on the UP & Adams show that the team’s starters will play in Friday night’s preseason finale at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson indicated they’ll determine the exact amount of action after a couple more days of practice and will go from there.
Caleb Williams will again lead Chicago’s offense, looking to build on last Sunday’s performance against the Bills. Williams completed 6 of 10 passes for 107 yards and connected with Olamide Zaccheaus on a 36-yard touchdown during a 7-play, 92-yard opening drive.
The Chiefs, coached by Andy Reid, indicated their starters will start the game, with Reid saying they’ll “start it off, for sure. And then we’ll see how it goes from there.” Friday’s matchup offers Chicago a meaningful yardstick against one of the NFL’s elite teams.
In last week’s 38-0 win over Buffalo, Bills coach Sean McDermott played backups for the entire game. Friday provides the Bears with another opportunity to gauge progress against a top-tier opponent.
Williams showed good rhythm and accuracy against Buffalo, but Friday’s test will come against a Chiefs starting unit featuring a front led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, with Trent McDuffie likely patrolling the secondary. If Braxton Jones starts again at left tackle, he’ll have his hands full with a formidable pass rush.
Defensively, Chicago’s unit will also get a tougher test. Dennis Allen’s defense recorded three snaps against the Bills after forcing a three-and-out on the opening drive, and the Friday matchup will be another chance to prove its ability to slow a high-powered offense.
Friday’s game at Arrowhead marks the last preseason opportunity for the Bears’ starters to log meaningful snaps before Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.
What to watch
– How Williams handles a starting NFL defense and whether he can sustain the same rhythm from Buffalo.
– Chicago’s offensive line, especially Braxton Jones, facing a Chiefs front that includes Jones, Karlaftis and a strong secondary.
– The Bears’ pass rush and run defense against a Chiefs unit led by a healthy Mahomes, even if limited snaps are expected.
– Dennis Allen’s explanation of how the defense accelerates its communication and execution with a more full-strength opponent.
Overall takeaway
This game provides a critical gauge for Chicago’s progress as it edges closer to Week 1. A solid showing could boost confidence across the roster and help set the tone for the season, while also offering clear areas to tighten up before facing Minnesota.
Summary
Chicago aims to deploy its starters for Friday’s preseason finale at Arrowhead, giving Williams another chance to impress against a top-tier Chiefs squad. The game will be a valuable barometer for both sides as they prepare for the regular-season opener.