Bears and Bills Clash in Preseason Showdown at Soldier Field
The Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears are set to face off in their second preseason game on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 local time. Both teams are looking to improve their performance after disappointing starts to the preseason, with the Bills sitting at 0-1 and the Bears at 0-1-1.
Viewing options for fans include broadcast coverage on Fox, featuring commentators Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, and Pam Oliver. For radio listeners, ESPN AM-1000 will provide coverage with Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie calling the action. Spanish-speaking fans can tune in to Latino Mix 93.5 FM, where Omar Ramos and Miguel Esparza will deliver the commentary. Additionally, streaming options are available via the FOX Sports app and NFL+, allowing fans to watch the game from various devices.
The Bears hold a historical advantage over the Bills in preseason matchups, boasting a record of 12-5-1 against them, including a decisive 33-6 victory last year. In regular season encounters, the Bears also lead with an 8-6 record. However, the Bills emerged victorious in their last regular season meeting, winning 35-13 in 2022.
Coaching strategies will play a significant role in this matchup. Bills head coach Sean McDermott, now in his ninth season, led the team to a strong 13-4 record last year and a spot in the AFC Championship game. His overall coaching record stands at 93-52, including a preseason mark of 15-9. McDermott has been successful against the Bears in preseason play, with a record of 3-1.
In contrast, Bears head coach Ben Johnson is still seeking his first victory after a 24-24 tie against the Miami Dolphins in his debut game. Johnson previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where he achieved recognition as the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. He will attempt to revitalize a Bears team that finished the previous season with a 5-12 record.
The matchup will also feature a notable absence of key players. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is uncertain for this game, having not participated in the previous week’s loss to the New York Giants. Allen’s history suggests he usually plays a limited role during the preseason, having only taken eight snaps in the previous year’s opener.
On the Bears’ side, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to make his debut in Johnson’s offensive scheme. The Bears had held out several starters during their first preseason game, but this week they plan to utilize more of their starting lineup. Only a few offensive starters, including left tackle Braxton Jones and tight end Colston Loveland, participated last week.
The matchup also highlights the return of former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, now backing up Allen in Buffalo. Trubisky served as the Bears’ starter from 2017-2020 and has faced Chicago in two preseason games since his departure, completing 30 of 46 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown.
In terms of injuries, both teams are dealing with concerns on the offensive line. Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins is currently managing a back issue, raising questions about his availability. He has been replaced by Ryan Van Demark during practice. Meanwhile, the Bears are experimenting with undrafted second-year tackle Theo Benedet among their starters, following a week of adjustments involving several players at the position.
In the defensive lineup, the Bears will be without cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has not participated in training camp due to a non-football injury, and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon, who is dealing with a soft tissue injury.
As the two teams prepare for their joint practice on Friday before the game, anticipation builds for a competitive showdown on Sunday. Fans will be eager to see how both squads address their early preseason struggles and which players will emerge as key contributors moving forward.
