The NFL announced that 22 preseason games will air live on NFL Network this August, including the Chicago Bears’ preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 13. And it’s easy to see why.
The Bears’ lone home preseason contest will mark the return of Chicago’s former head coach Matt Nagy, who is now the Chiefs quarterbacks coach, to Soldier Field. And it’s safe to assume it’ll be anything but a warm welcome from the home crowd.
Nagy, along with former Bears general manager Ryan Pace, was fired after a 6-11 record in 2021. But it was his mishandling of hopeful franchise quarterback Justin Fields that was a huge factor in his firing.
Perhaps new Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy can show Nagy a glimpse of how to utilize a quarterback with Fields’ skillset. All indications are that Chicago’s new offense has been tailored to Fields’ strengths, including getting him on the move a lot.
While preseason games aren’t known for their remarkable excitement, it’s no wonder NFL Network jumped at the chance to air Nagy’s anticipated return to Chicago.
This marks the Bears’ second preseason game that will air nationally. Chicago’s Week 2 contest against the Seattle Seahawks will air on ESPN on Aug. 18.
Here’s a look at the Bears’ 2022 preseason schedule (with updated networks):
Week | Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | Network | |
1 | Aug. 13 | vs. | Kansas City Chiefs | 12:00 p.m. | NFL Network* |
2 | Aug. 18 | at | Seattle Seahawks | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN* |
3 | Aug. 27 | at | Cleveland Browns | 6:00 p.m. | FOX32 |
*National game