Due to inclement weather, officials suspended the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game with 3:31 left in the third quarter, awarding the Chicago Bears a 21-17 victory over the Houston Texans. But despite the premature ending, there’s plenty to talk about.
Here are a few takeaways from Thursday’s preseason opener.
Hall of Fame Game comes to a unique weather-shortened end
Weather delays are common at the annual Hall of Fame Game from Canton, but outright suspensions are not. According to NFL historian Kevin Gallagher, this is only the third permanent suspension of the game, with the only other occurrences taking place in 2003 (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers) and 1980 (Green Bay Packers vs. San Diego Chargers).
New kickoff rules make their debut
This offseason, the NFL adopted the XFL’s kickoff rules, which gives the once uneventful play a little life. The odd setup, which debuted on Thursday, will take some time to get used to and may take even longer to yield results, as the longest return in the Hall of Fame Game was 31 yards by John Jackson of the Bears.
Field conditions weren’t ideal
The field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium was noticeably slippery, and several players had difficulty staying on their feet throughout the night. While most fans were disappointed but not shocked by the lack of starters playing for the Bears and Texans, in retrospect, it’s a good thing they didn’t.
Is Brett Rypien in the running for Bears’ No. 2 QB job?
Rypien outshined Tyson Bagent in the Bears preseason opener, finishing 11-of-15 for 166 yards (11.1 yards per completion) with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Bagent saw less work in the weather-shortened contest, going 2-of-3 for 16 yards, but Rypien’s outing gives Chicago something to think about.
Texans’ backup QB battle heats up
Davis Mills (10-of-13, 102 yards, one touchdown) and Case Keenum (7-of-9, 78 yards, one touchdown) had solid outings on Thursday, which may make deciding who backs up star C.J. Stroud a little more challenging. It’s a great problem to have if you’re the Texans, who will want someone reliable behind the face of the franchise.
Bears rookie pass-rusher impresses
Fifth-round pick Austin Booker finished with only one tackle on Thursday night, but displayed his pass-rushing prowess on the edge, with one of his pressures leading to a strip-sack in the first quarter. It’s only one game, but the former Kansas standout may earn a spot in the Bears edge-rushing rotation.
Rookie DB plays as advertised for Texans
Calen Bullock, selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, made an impact Thursday night, displaying the skills the Texans expected. The former USC standout showed off his closing speed, athleticism and nose for the ball, recording a team-high five tackles (three solo) and a forced fumble.
