Titans vs. Bears: 3 reasons for optimism in Week 1

The Tennessee Titans open their 2024 NFL season on Sunday when they travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. The Titans look to start the Brian Callahan era off with a bang and have a retooled roster that can get it done.

In many ways, both teams are starting at square one: the Titans with a rookie head coach and the Bears with their prized rookie quarterback.

With so many changes made by both teams, it should be an interesting game, and the Titans have three reasons to be optimistic that they can bring this one home.

Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The return of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins

Though it’s not a given that he will play on Sunday, it is trending that way. Hopkins has been a limited participant in practice this week after sitting out most of the preseason with a knee injury. If he is able to go, his presence will be a huge boost for the offense, which really hasn’t had a chance to be at full capacity.

Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The new cornerback tandem

The wide receiving corps and the secondary really haven’t had a chance to work together and gel, but the additions of free agent cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and the trade for L’Jarius Sneed give the Titans one of the best tandems in the league when healthy. Heading into Week 1, both are on track to start, and it should be a tough matchup for a rookie quarterback.

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Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams will make his first NFL start on Sunday after being taken number one overall in the 2024 NFL draft. While he did show flashes during the preseason, that does not compare to the defensive game plans he will experience in the regular season. With defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s attacking style, Williams should be prime for a welcome-to-the-NFL moment.

The Titans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their chances in Sunday’s game. A new coach, a new roster, and a new outlook are a few, but we won’t know for sure until they take the field.

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