Bears defense dominant again in 27-3 preseason win over Bengals

The Chicago Bears defense dominated for the second straight week as the team won its lone home preseason game at Soldier Field against the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-3.

Quarterback Caleb Williams made his debut in front of Chicago fans as well, highlighting the Bears' offense in the first half. He finished 6-for-13, 75 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Related: Here's how Bears QB Caleb Williams' first drives at Soldier Field turned out

Aside from the obvious highlight which is the No. 1 2024 NFL Draft pick, the Bears' defense — particularly its secondary — shined in the blowout against the Bengals. The Bears forced three turnovers that turned into scores each time.

Williams spoke with reporters after the game and was asked what he's learned in two preseason games if he doesn't play again until the regular season.

"That our defense is really good," was his response.

The Bears defense extended its streak of not allowing a touchdown to nine quarters after keeping another opponent out of the end zone. The last time the defense allowed a touchdown was in the first half of the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 1.

Cornerback Kyler Gordon put on a show for the Bears, including blitzing on a play that resulted in Gordon absolutely drilling Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside for a sack.

Gordon was impressive with open-field tackling throughout the game. He finished with three tackles and a sack on Saturday.

Nickel defensive back Josh Blackwell got the party started in the second quarter, when he hit Woodside while he was in the throwing motion, causing his throw to be picked off by linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga.

Cornerback Terell Smith made an interception off Woodside in the third quarter and the Bears got their third turnover of the game when defensive end Daniel Hardy stripped the ball from Bengals quarterback Rocky Lombardi. Defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. recovered it.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent also played well, completing 7 of 8 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He finished with a 151.6 passer rating.

Both of Bagent's touchdowns went to receiver Dante Pettis, one for 4 yards and another for 25 yards in the third quarter.

Khalil Herbert led the team in rushing, running the ball 5 times for 31 yards, including a 21-yard dash. Velus Jones Jr., who is taking snaps at the running back position as a wide receiver in hopes of making an impact on the roster elsewhere, ran the ball 6 times for 13 yards.

The Bears move on to 3-0 in the preseason and play their final game on Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.