NFL insider's recent update gives Bears a huge boost hours before they play against Titans
The Chicago Bears are set to kick off what should be an eventful 2024 season against the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. The roster is loaded on both sides of the ball and Chicago appears to have found a first true franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams.Heading into the game, two of the […]
The Chicago Bears are set to kick off what should be an eventful 2024 season against the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. The roster is loaded on both sides of the ball and Chicago appears to have found a first true franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams.
Heading into the game, two of the Bears' most talented players were listed as questionable to play. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen was uncertain to play thanks to a heel injury and Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat is officially expected to play. Both players were full practice participants on Friday and head coach Matt Eberflus also said he expects both players to play.
Allen's presence is obviously huge for Williams, who is facing a new-look Titans defense under first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who previously coached for the Baltimore Ravens. Allen has mentioned multiple times over the offseason how he is a "quarterback-friendly" receiver (aren't they all, though?) and can be a safety valve, as well as a playmaker, for Williams. He'll likely see Titans cornerback Roger McCreary for most of the day, who is an up-and-coming nickel heading into the third year of his career.
Sweat was obviously the driving force behind the Bears' defensive takeoff in 2023. He recorded 6.0 sacks, a forced fumble, four tackles for loss and 14 QB hits in just nine games as a Bear, but more importantly, gave Eberflus the stud DE he needs in order to make his defense work at maximum level. It'll be interesting to see if the Bears move him from side-to-side at all, considering the Titans are clearly weaker on the right side of the offensive line than they are on the left. Eberflus did have him play on both sides later in the year, so it's fair to expect that to happen on Sunday.
Both players will play big roles in 2024, so it's good to see them start off on the right track when it comes to their availability. Now, it's about making things happen on the field, like most of the NFL world expects them to.
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