Cincinnati Bengals Depth DOMINATES Chicago Bears! | NFL Recap, Podcast, News, Highlights, Rumors

Nick Kirby and Andrew Collinsworth recap the Cincinnati Bengals impressive pre-season win over the Chicago Bears!

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# Bengals backups make strong statement in 27-9 preseason win over Bears

The Cincinnati Bengals rested most of their starters on Saturday night, but their backups still delivered an impressive performance against the Chicago Bears’ first-team units.

Cincinnati defeated Chicago 27-9 at Paycor Stadium to improve to 2-0 in the preseason. While Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and many of the Bengals’ established players watched from the sideline following Thursday’s joint practice, several players fighting for roster spots took advantage of an important opportunity.

Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson led the way during the first half. The 40-year-old completed 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, finishing with a 113.7 passer rating. Johnson looked comfortable and decisive while operating Zac Taylor’s offense, especially on third down.

The Bengals opened the scoring with a 14-play, 62-yard drive that ended with Evan McPherson’s 25-yard field goal. Cincinnati converted three third downs on the possession, including third-and-14 and third-and-10. Rookie receiver Colbie Young made an excellent contested catch along the sideline for 18 yards, while Dohnte Meyers moved the chains with a 14-yard reception.

Chicago answered with a field goal on Caleb Williams’ only series. Williams completed two of five passes for 28 yards, but the Bears were unable to reach the end zone after driving inside Cincinnati’s 20-yard line. The Bengals’ reserve defense held up against Chicago’s starters and forced a 3-3 tie after the opening quarter.

Cincinnati took control late in the first half.

Johnson gave the Bengals a 10-6 lead when he connected with Young for a 17-yard touchdown with 4:25 remaining. Young, a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, finished with three catches for a team-high 48 yards and continued to show why he could earn an immediate role in a crowded receiver room.

Johnson then led a sharp 63-yard touchdown drive in the final minute. He completed all four of his passes on the possession, including a six-yard touchdown strike to tight end Tanner Hudson with 23 seconds left. The score sent Cincinnati into halftime with a 17-9 advantage. [Bengals.com detailed Johnson’s strong first-half performance](bengals.com/news/josh-johnson-connects-with-the-kids-as-colbie-young-and-dohnte-meyers-light-up-first-half-for-bengals).

Meyers also strengthened his case for a roster spot. The former CFL receiver caught five passes for 41 yards, rushed for nine yards and contributed as both a kickoff and punt returner. His versatility could become an important factor when the Bengals make their final roster decisions.

Sean Clifford replaced Johnson after halftime and kept the offense moving. Clifford completed four of five passes for 70 yards on his opening series, finishing the drive with a perfectly placed 20-yard touchdown pass to rookie Noah Thomas. Clifford ended the night 10 of 15 for 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Bengals’ defense did not allow a touchdown and repeatedly got off the field in key situations. Chicago converted only two of its 14 third-down attempts and went scoreless on two trips inside the red zone. Rookie defensive tackle Landon Robinson continued his productive preseason with 1.5 sacks, including a 12-yard loss against Miller Moss early in the second half.

McPherson provided the final points with a 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He made both of his attempts and is now 31 of 33 on field goals during his preseason career.

The performance was not flawless. Cincinnati committed nine penalties, managed only 64 rushing yards and Clifford threw the game’s only interception. Still, the Bengals outgained Chicago 346-322, averaged six yards per play and produced three offensive touchdowns without their stars. [ESPN’s final statistics showed Cincinnati converting six of 13 third downs]