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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Chicago Bears wrapped up the 2021 NFL preseason in Nashville on Saturday night, as they defeated the Tennessee Titans, 27-24. With no Andy Dalton, first-round pick Justin Fields got the start. The majority of the first two quarters were uneventful for Chicago's offense, but the former Ohio State star did lead a six-play, 78-yard drive in the final two minutes which was capped by a very impressive 20-yard touchdown throw to Jesper Horsted. Fields finished Friday night's game having completed 7 of 10 passes for 54 yards and one touchdown.
The Bears were victorious thanks to the huge night had by the tight end Horsted. The Princeton product who went undrafted in 2019 caught three touchdowns on Friday night, including a one-handed grab in the fourth quarter that he took for 54 yards. In all, he caught five passes for 104 yards and three scores.
Ryan Tannehill was placed on the Reserve/COVID list earlier this week, so Matt Barkley and Logan Woodside split time at quarterback. Both had their moments, but both signal-callers also threw interceptions -- Woodside's being a pick six in the second quarter. Still, he's the player who might be the favorite at this point in time when it comes to the backup QB competition, as he has been in the system longer and has developed clear chemistry with his wide receivers -- especially Cameron Batson, who caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
It was an interesting night, as Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was not present at the stadium due to COVID-19. Special teams coach Craig Aukerman handled team communication while John Streicher, coordinator of football development, handled what the team called "game decisions" and playtime management. He even threw a challenge flag in the first half, and overturned what was originally called an 11-yard catch made by Rodney Adams on third down.
Play of the game
What's next
The Bears kick off the regular season on Sept. 12 on "Sunday Night Football" against the Los Angeles Rams. As for the Titans, they host Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.
