The first game of every season is as intoxicating as it is nerve-wracking. It could go a million different ways. That is especially true with a new head coach.
So let’s play a game of impossible odds and infinite permutations. These are low stakes, but the glory will be significant.
Who do you think will score the first Bears touchdown of the season and how?
You think this is easy to predict? Not so fast.
Last year the distinction went to Jonathan Owens on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
In 2022,
Dante Pettis caught a 51 yard touchdown from Justin Fields.
In 2018, Mitchell Trubisky had a 2 yard touchdown run.
In 2011, Matt Forte caught a 56 yard pass from Jay Cutler to open the year.
The year prior, Matt Forte caught an 89 yard pass from Jay Cutler.
In 2007, John St. Clair (an OT!!) caught a 2 yard pass from Rex Grossman in Week 2 for the Bears first Touchdown of the season. (Fun fact: this was one of two receptions in St. Clair’s career).
My point is – these things can be highly random.
Where do I plant my flag?
Although I think that Ben Johnson will be tempted to get creative with his first touchdown this season, I think they keep it fairly simple. My guess is that the first touchdown of the season is a 22 yard crossing route from Olamide Zacchaeus. That connection has looked quite good this season, and the Vikings LBs and Nickle CBs (Pace Jr., Cashman, and Tavierre Thomas) are all pretty weak in coverage. So either OZ, Loveland, or Kmet are good bets to get in on the action in week 1.
Now it’s your turn – who do you think will score the first touchdown for the Bears this season, and how? Sound off in the comments!
