Tennessee Titans make NFL history in the worst way ever in brutal loss to Chicago Bears

In Week 1, the Tennessee Titans won themselves the game and then lost themselves the game. The Chicago Bears were also there. There are a handful of ways in which Tennessee's 17-24 implosion is a historic loss. Lets run through all of them: Caleb Williams For starters, there is the much-discussed statistic of 1st overall […]

Easton Freeze Tennessee Titans Beat Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Sep 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is pressured by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens (50) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
© Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

In Week 1, the Tennessee Titans won themselves the game and then lost themselves the game.

The Chicago Bears were also there.

There are a handful of ways in which Tennessee's 17-24 implosion is a historic loss. Lets run through all of them:

Caleb Williams

For starters, there is the much-discussed statistic of 1st overall pick QB's being 0-14-1 since 2002. Caleb Williams became the 1st number 1 overall pick to win their rookie debut since David Carr with the Texans. But this wasn't a win Williams had much to do with.

Caleb was just 14/29 on the day, for 93 yards and a passer rating of 55.7. His EPA per drop back was -0.39 with 5 passing 1st downs, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

According to The 33rd Team, quarterbacks in the last 30 years to have 25+ pass attempts, under 100 passing yards, a YPA under 3.2, 0 touchdowns, and still win the game?

Only Caleb Williams. Ever.

According to ESPN Stats and Information, his 3.2 yards per attempt are the 2nd fewest by a 1st round pick in their NFL debut in NFL history.

Chicago Bears

Now for the Bears themselves. Chicago only managed 148 total yards of offense; nearly 100 yards fewer than the Titans, who they beat. They averaged an abysmal 2.8 yards per play and went 2-13 on 3rd downs.

the Bears' last win with less than 150 total yards came on December 3, 2006 against the Vikings. According the ESPN Stats & Info, Chicago is the first team in NFL history to win a game in which they trailed by at least 17 points and had fewer than 150 yards.

Week 1, 2024 was also momentous in this way for another team. Both the Bears and the Steelers won without scoring an offensive touchdown. That's the first time this has happened in Week 1 since 2006.

Both of Chicago's touchdowns came as a direct result of a Tennessee Titans failure.

In the 3rd quarter, P Ryan Stonehouse had a punt in his own territory blocked and returned for a touchdown by Jonathan Owens (gymnastics Legend Simone Biles husband, by the way).

Then to take their first lead of the day, Chicago's 2nd year CB Tyrique Stevenson picked off Will Levis and took it back for 6 in the 4th quarter, which ultimately sealed the Titans fate.