The Chicago Bears opened their 2025 preseason campaign at Soldier Field with a spirited clash against the Miami Dolphins, ending in a 24-24 tie that offered plenty of highlights, a few disappointments, and one key injury storyline. While the scoreboard shows a draw, the game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, standout performances, and lessons for both teams as they prepare for the regular season.
This was the Bears’ first real test after their joint practice sessions with the Dolphins earlier in the week — sessions that were reportedly marked by physicality, competitive trash talk, and a handful of scuffles. Sunday’s meeting brought the intensity from practice onto the game field, but also gave fans a better look at how depth players and rookies are shaping up in live action.
Late Game Drama Ends in Stalemate
The game’s final minutes provided a chance for Chicago to grab the win. With just 26 seconds remaining, the Bears took possession at Miami’s 41-yard line, armed with three timeouts. The situation was set up for either a quick strike into field goal range or even a deep shot at the end zone.
Instead, a costly penalty immediately pushed them back, and quarterback Austin Reed failed to connect on four consecutive pass attempts. As the final whistle blew, the two teams walked off the field sharing the spoils, each likely feeling they had opportunities slip away.
First-Half Highlights: Big Plays from Both Sides
Both teams traded blows early, with Chicago’s offense showing promising flashes. Jahdae Walker, a young receiver looking to secure a bigger role in the offense, made one of the day’s most eye-catching plays — a touchdown grab that demonstrated his ability to find space and secure contested catches.
Maurice Alexander and Deion Hankins also found the end zone, showcasing the Bears’ depth in the receiving corps. Hankins, in particular, took advantage of his reps with decisive route running and strong hands in traffic.
On special teams, veteran kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 57-yard field goal just before halftime — a kick that would have been his career-long if made in a regular-season game. The attempt had the perfect blend of distance and accuracy, and it’s a positive sign for the Bears as they look for consistent special teams production this year.
Key Injury: Terell Smith Leaves with Groin Issue
The most concerning moment for Bears fans came when cornerback Terell Smith was forced to leave the game with a groin injury. Smith is in the midst of a heated battle with Tyrique Stevenson for a starting role in the secondary, and every rep is crucial in the preseason.
Smith had been making an impact before the injury, recording two tackles and nearly pulling off a pick-six late in the second quarter. His ability to anticipate routes and close quickly on the ball was on display, and his absence for the remainder of the game left a noticeable gap in Chicago’s coverage schemes.
According to early team reports, Smith was doubtful to return after the injury, and his status for the Bears’ next preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills remains uncertain. In his sophomore NFL season last year, Smith logged 19 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended across 14 games — experience the Bears would prefer not to lose heading into the regular season.
Offensive Takeaways for Chicago
While the Bears didn’t get the win, there were encouraging signs on offense:
- Balanced Backfield Rotation: Rookie Kyle Monangai had 30 yards on six carries, running with patience and vision. His performance will keep him in the conversation for a rotational role behind the starters.
- Quarterback Play: The passing game showed flashes, but inconsistency in accuracy and decision-making — especially in late-game scenarios — remains a concern. Reed’s four straight incompletions in the closing moments highlight an area that must improve.
- Emerging Receiving Depth: Beyond Walker’s touchdown, players like Hankins and Alexander made strong cases for themselves. Their versatility and ability to gain yards after the catch could earn them valuable roster spots.
Defensive Notes: Stops, Struggles, and Standouts
Defensively, Chicago had moments of disciplined coverage and effective pressure, but they also surrendered key plays that kept Miami in the game.
- Red Zone Defense: The Bears bent but didn’t completely break, forcing Miami into contested throws inside the 20.
- Pass Rush Flashes: Chicago’s edge defenders were able to collapse the pocket on several occasions, disrupting Miami’s timing.
- Coverage Battles: Before his injury, Smith was one of the best defensive performers. Without him, the secondary showed vulnerability against Miami’s quick-release passing game.
Joint Practice Tensions Spill Over?
Friday’s joint practice between the Bears and Dolphins was reportedly marred by several scuffles, a common occurrence in highly competitive preseason settings. While Sunday’s game didn’t devolve into the same level of chippiness, there was a noticeable edge in the way players approached each snap. Hits were harder, trash talk was louder, and neither side appeared to be treating this as just another August tune-up.
That competitive energy will be something to watch as both teams progress through preseason, especially if they face each other again down the road.
Looking Ahead: Bears’ Preseason Path
Chicago’s next challenge comes against the Buffalo Bills. Depending on the severity of Smith’s injury, we may see more reps for depth corners, giving the coaching staff additional film to evaluate the competition behind Stevenson and the starters.
Offensively, the Bears will look to sharpen their two-minute drill execution — a glaring weakness in the Dolphins game — and continue building chemistry among the quarterbacks and receivers.
For head coach Matt Eberflus, the tie is less about the final score and more about identifying players who can contribute when the games start counting. That means rookies and roster-bubble players will continue to get significant opportunities in the next two preseason contests.
What the Tie Means for Miami
From Miami’s perspective, the draw at Soldier Field was also a valuable preseason test. The Dolphins were able to move the ball efficiently at times, but also saw moments where Chicago’s defense disrupted their rhythm. For Miami’s coaching staff, the focus will be on cleaning up penalties and finding more consistency in the running game.
The Dolphins, like the Bears, avoided major injuries to their key starters, which is often the top priority in the preseason.
Final Thoughts
The 24-24 tie between the Bears and Dolphins won’t go down as a classic, but it offered a rich look at how each team’s depth and young talent are developing. For Chicago, the positives include promising rookie performances, a booming field goal from Santos, and flashes of defensive playmaking. The negatives — a stalled late-game drive, some coverage lapses, and a potentially significant injury to Terell Smith — will be points of emphasis in the week ahead.
As preseason rolls on, both teams will hope to use this game as a stepping stone toward sharper execution and a healthier, more prepared roster when Week 1 arrives.
FAQs
Q1. When was the Jaguars vs Steelers Preseason 2025 game played?
The Jaguars vs Steelers preseason game took place in August 2025 as part of the NFL Preseason schedule.
Q2. Which team won the Jaguars vs Steelers Preseason 2025 game?
The final score and winning team will be updated as soon as the game concludes.
Q3. Where can I watch Jaguars vs Steelers live updates?
You can follow live updates through official NFL channels, sports news websites, and team social media handles.
Q4. Who were the top performers in the Jaguars vs Steelers Preseason 2025 game?
Key performers include standout quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive players, with detailed stats available in the post-game report.
Q5. Why is the Jaguars vs Steelers Preseason important?
Preseason games help teams test strategies, evaluate new players, and prepare for the regular NFL season.