Bengals 27-9 Preseason Win Over Bears

In the Bengals’ 27-9 preseason win over the Bears, 40-year-old Josh Johnson steered Cincinnati’s offense after the starters watched, opening with a 14-play drive and throwing two second-quarter TD passes. Johnson finished 15 of 23 for 156 yards, connecting with Colbie Young for 17 yards and Tanner Hudson for 6 yards, as he capped his night before Sean Clifford took over in the second half. Chicago’s Caleb Williams led the Bears’ first-series cameo, going 2 of 5 for 28 yards as penalties and stout defense kept scoring opportunities limited. In the second half, Clifford opened with a scoring drive and later hit Noah Thomas for a 20-yard TD as Cincinnati extended the lead to 24-9, highlighting Clifford’s ongoing push to earn a roster spot. Cincinnati also highlighted young playmakers like Dohnte Meyers, who had multiple receptions and return yards to bolster his case for the 53-man roster. The game underscored the Bengals’ depth through Johnson, Clifford, and a cadre of role players as they prep for the final week of the preseason.