Full Breakdown
Chiefs' Preseason Finale Ends in Dramatic Loss to Bears
8/24/2025, 3:57:16 AM
Chiefs' Strong Start and Offensive Performance
In their preseason finale on August 22, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs showcased a dominant performance from their first-team offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs scored on all three of their initial drives, building a 20-3 lead against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mahomes completed 8 of 13 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown, including a notable 58-yard completion to Tyquan Thornton. Isiah Pacheco also contributed with a 2-yard touchdown run, while Rashee Rice caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes.
Despite the impressive start, the Chiefs ultimately fell to the Bears 29-27 after a late-game rally. The Bears, who had struggled offensively in the first half, saw their backup quarterback Tyson Bagent lead a comeback, throwing three touchdown passes, including the game-winner to Jahdae Walker with just three seconds remaining.
Bears' Struggles and Late Comeback
The Bears' starting offense, helmed by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, faced significant challenges early in the game. Williams completed only 11 of 15 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown, struggling to find rhythm against the Chiefs' defense. The Bears' first two drives resulted in just 22 yards and ended in punts, prompting criticism from head coach Ben Johnson, who described the offensive performance as "sloppy."
However, the Bears' fortunes changed in the second half. Bagent, who had recently signed a two-year, $10 million contract, entered the game and quickly turned the tide. His performance included a series of scoring drives that culminated in a comeback victory, demonstrating resilience and adaptability from the Bears' backup unit.
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Mahomes expressed optimism about the Chiefs' performance, stating, “This is a little step but it’s a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised the offensive line's performance, noting, “I thought the offensive line did a nice job... It starts up there.”
Conversely, Bears coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in the first half. He remarked, “If the first quarter was really any indication, it’s not good enough, so we got to get better in a hurry.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Chiefs' strong offensive showing, their defense faced scrutiny for allowing the Bears to score 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Johnson highlighted the Bears' defensive struggles, particularly in the secondary, where injuries to key players impacted performance. The lack of pressure on Mahomes and the inability to contain big plays were points of concern for the Bears' coaching staff.
What's Next
The Chiefs will look to build on their offensive momentum as they prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2025. Meanwhile, the Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener on September 8, 2025, aiming to carry forward the confidence gained from their dramatic comeback victory.
As both teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season, the lessons learned from this preseason finale will be crucial in shaping their strategies moving forward.
