The Chicago Bears closed the preseason with a 24-15 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night, with rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas making an immediate impact in his NFL debut. Thomas caught all five passes thrown his way for 140 yards and a touchdown, including a 97-yard score on Chicago’s first offensive play. Tyson Bagent completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, while Roschon Johnson added 52 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Thomas, a third-round pick out of LSU, also contributed 39 yards on a punt return and 22 yards on a kickoff return, finishing with 179 total yards. His 97-yard touchdown came after he beat Titans cornerback Keydrain Calligan on a double move before outrunning the defense to the end zone. Thomas also had a fumble on a second-quarter jet sweep, but recovered from the mistake to remain one of the game’s biggest offensive standouts.
“I don't know that I've thrown a touchdown of that many yards, and I believe that was Zavion Thomas's very first play in the NFL,” Bagent said. “Greatest start in NFL history.” Thomas, who had been sidelined by an injury during the first two preseason games, said the touchdown was the product of the preparation he had put in during camp.
The Bears finished the preseason 2-1 and now turn their attention to the regular season. Chicago opens the season Sept. 13 at the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.
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