Bears vs Chiefs Preseason Recap: Chicago Stages Massive Comeback Win in Thrilling Finale

In a game that had all the drama of a regular-season clash, the Chicago Bears completed a stunning rally to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 29-27 in their preseason finale. The Bears overcame a significant 20-3 deficit, showcasing a resilience that gives them immense confidence heading into the regular season. While the Chiefs’ starters looked sharp in their limited action, it was Chicago’s backups who stole the show, capping off a remarkable comeback with a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds.

The Quarterback Showdown: A Tale of Two Halves

The matchup featured a brief but exciting display from both starting quarterbacks. Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes and the first-team offense looked to be in midseason form, driving down the field with ease and scoring on each of their first three possessions. Mahomes finished his night early with a strong stat line, including a touchdown pass to Rashee Rice.

On the other side, rookie Caleb Williams had a more mixed outing but showed flashes of his potential, connecting with rookie receiver Rome Odunze for a touchdown to get the Bears on the board. However, the true story of the night belonged to Chicago’s backup quarterback, Tyson Bagent. Trailing 27-10 in the second half, Bagent engineered three consecutive touchdown drives, including a miraculous game-winning series from his own 13-yard line with no timeouts left, a drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker with only three seconds remaining.

Key Moments & Defensive Plays

The turning point of the game came from a crucial defensive play. With the Bears struggling to find momentum, defensive end Daniel Hardy stripped the ball from Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun. The Bears’ defense recovered the fumble, setting up a touchdown that began to shift the momentum in their favor. This play, along with a pair of clutch touchdown passes from Bagent to Royce Freeman and Joel Wilson, gave the Bears a fighting chance to get back into the game.

The Chiefs’ opening drive was a masterclass in efficiency, with Isiah Pacheco scoring a 2-yard touchdown. While their starters were highly effective, the game ultimately became a test of depth, a test that the Bears‘ second and third units passed with flying colors.

What This Means for Both Teams

For the Bears, this victory—though in the preseason—is a massive confidence booster. It proves their depth at quarterback and highlights the team’s ability to fight back from adversity. While their defense had a tough time with Mahomes and the starters, the comeback performance gives them something positive to build on as they prepare for the regular season.

For the Chiefs, the game was a successful final tune-up. Patrick Mahomes and the offense looked ready for Week 1, and the team successfully managed their starters’ playing time to avoid injuries. While the loss is a minor footnote, the primary goal of preparation and evaluation was achieved. The Chiefs are now fully focused on defending their championship title.