The Chicago Bears got a harsh reality check in Friday night’s preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, where it’s clear they still have a long way to go before they’re considered a contender under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
Following last week’s 38-0 blowout win over the Buffalo Bills — where Buffalo’s starters didn’t play — there were high expectations for the Bears heading into this preseason finale. But it was about as ugly as you could imagine for Chicago’s starting offense and defense.
The Bears defense was completely dominated by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, where they scored 17 points in three series of action. While Kansas City was aided by a pair of penalties on the first series that gifted them 29 yards, they didn’t need help from the refs on their ensuing scoring drives of 81 yards (field goal) and 81 yards (touchdown). Chicago’s pass rush was completely nonexistent and Mahomes made them pay while the defensive backfield was sorely missing cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t much better for Caleb Williams and the starting offense, whose first series consisted of a botched snap and handoff, a false start, a throwaway and a completion short of the sticks. The Bears had back-to-back three and outs. And, on their best possession where they finally saw the red zone, they had to settle for a field goal.
As you can imagine, there’s plenty of reaction from Bears fans and NFL fans alike. And it was a brutal reminder that Chicago isn’t in the same class as Kansas City right now.
NFL world reacts to the Bears’ sloppy start vs. Chiefs
Nothing like a step up in weight class to bring you back down to reality lmaoooo
— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) August 23, 2025
As good as the #Bears first drive was last Sunday, it was that bad tonight. Woof.
— Mike Berman (@MikeBermanNBC) August 23, 2025
This is an ass whooping
Chiefs are showing the Bears that they’re aren’t in the same class
The best thing that could have happened to the Bears tonight
Learn the lessons and get ready for the Vikings
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) August 23, 2025
Me looking for the #Bears’ pass rush as Sweat can’t win a single vs. a RT pic.twitter.com/dRtGHxbgH7
— dan durkin (@djdurkin) August 23, 2025
Bears pass rush pic.twitter.com/H8bx0X6Ck1
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 23, 2025
I’m trying to convince myself the #Bears aren’t trying as hard on defense because it’s the preseason but these guys do not look energized at all
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 23, 2025
In a shocking development, the Kansas City Chiefs 1st teamers are significantly better than the Buffalo Bills backups.
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) August 23, 2025
Last week the Bears played a skeleton of a Bills team and kicked their ass. So many ppl made bold statements.
Now they are getting their ass kicked by the Chiefs. Are we making bold statements tonight?
It’s the preseason. Just a reminder about making bold statements after a…
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 23, 2025
It’s only the preseason but none of the defense’s 3 preseason drives have given me much hope that they have nearly enough juice off the edge. Dayo had some moments but that was a rough go tonight. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) August 23, 2025
Bears pass rush is putrid. No pressure at all
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) August 23, 2025
The Chiefs are COOKING the Bears defense.
It might be time to pump the brakes on the Bears.
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) August 23, 2025
Bears Offense looking extremely Vanilla right now.
Very little offensive creativity out there. Lots of hitches.
Probably on purpose but need more to create some confidence
— Irish Bears Network (@IrishBearsShow) August 23, 2025
Nothing like a Chiefs team to completely remind you how far the Chicago Bears are from seriously competing for any meaningful playing time past New Year’s Day
— MBDChicago (@MBDChicago) August 23, 2025
Me after that first Bears drive… 💔 pic.twitter.com/sLP1zNqpl8
— Bears Luchador 🐻 (@Bears_Luchador) August 23, 2025
Bears starting defense going up against a real QB and offense and got walked down the field with ease lol that fanbase always gassing up mid pic.twitter.com/UjLioMdptZ
— damn that’s crazy (@LosTheIVth) August 23, 2025
My biggest takeaway from the #Bears’ first quarter against the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/i2w3A14guJ
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 23, 2025
This game is a humbling reminder.
Chiefs starters vs. Bears starters and… yeah, it ain’t close right now.
— Ficky (@itsfickybaby) August 23, 2025
The preseason game is exhibit A how far the Bears are away from being contenders. The Chiefs are a legit dynasty. The Bears are upstarts.
— illwill (@79illwill) August 23, 2025
Nahshon Wright’s tough night continues. After being called for 2 penalties on, he is burned for a 58-yard bomb on drive 2. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) August 23, 2025
Hey, we’ll always have the Bills game. They can’t take that away from us
— Steve Letizia (Formerly CFCBears) (@CFCBears) August 23, 2025
Hot take, the Bears aren’t as good as the Chiefs
— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) August 23, 2025
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Chiefs: NFL world reacts to Chicago’s sloppy start