The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears faced off in a high-stakes 2025 NFL preseason game at Soldier Field, Chicago, on August 10, generating buzz with a mix of starting backups and new talent showcasing their skills ahead of the regular season kickoff.
In this preseason opener, both teams opted to rest most of their starters, focusing on developing depth and evaluating backup quarterbacks. The Dolphins featured Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers at QB, while the Bears deployed Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, marking a contrast in offensive depth and experience. Wilson came into the game with a strong preseason record, boasting a 115.4 passer rating from last year, while Ewers looked to make an early impression in Coach Mike McDaniel’s system. Meanwhile, the Bears were dealing with injuries to key players such as Caleb Williams and Roschon Johnson, which led to additional running back workouts before the game.
The game action highlighted defensive efforts from both teams, with notable stats including the Dolphins’ 35 tackles and 2 sacks and Bears’ solid defense stats as well. The Dolphins came in with a history of strong performance, holding a significant head-to-head win percentage advantage over the Bears across previous encounters, including away games where Miami also performed better.
Weather conditions on game day were typical for Chicago in August with no adverse effects reported, ensuring a good field for gameplay at Soldier Field.
This preseason matchup carried more than just the usual preparation weight. Analysts pointed out how the Dolphins appeared more motivated to prove themselves, possibly tilting the game value toward Miami despite Chicago’s home advantage. The Bears’ roster adjustments and injury challenges added an extra layer of uncertainty around their preseason prospects.
An NFL analyst commented, “The Dolphins’ decision to press forward with quarterbacks like Wilson and Ewers shows a strategic move towards flexibility and future planning, which could tip the preseason scales in their favor against the Bears, who are still recovering from key injuries.”
Looking ahead, this preseason game offers critical insights into the shaping of both teams’ rosters for 2025, revealing who might emerge as key contributors. With the regular season fast approaching, preseason performances like these play a vital role in final roster decisions and strategic planning.
Could this contest at Soldier Field mark the beginning of a resurgence for the Dolphins, or will the Bears leverage their home turf advantage to close the gap? The answer lies in how both teams capitalize on the lessons learned from this preseason duel.
Read more nfl news: NFL