Bears’ Caleb Williams Shines in Preseason Opener with 92-Yard TD Drive

In a commanding performance, the Chicago Bears defeated the Buffalo Bills 38-0 on Sunday night, showcasing the potential of their first-team offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams, making his preseason debut, led a decisive seven-play drive that covered 92 yards, resulting in a touchdown. This marked a significant moment for the Bears, as they had previously struggled to find the end zone in their opening offensive possessions during the 2024 season.

Williams Sets the Tone for the Bears

After the Bills won the coin toss and opted to defer, the Bears began their first drive from their own 8-yard line, following an early mishap by wide receiver Tyler Scott. Williams, the former No. 1 overall pick, demonstrated poise and precision, culminating the drive with a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. “I think it sets a tone for how we expect ourselves to play,” Williams stated, emphasizing the importance of the drive in establishing the team’s identity.

In his limited time on the field, Williams completed 6 of 10 passes for 107 yards, achieving a passer rating of 103.6. His performance followed a strong week of practice, which included a joint session with the Bills. Head Coach Ben Johnson praised Williams for being “locked in” and noted that the young quarterback has made significant strides during training camp.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Momentum

Williams acknowledged the ups and downs he has experienced as he adapts to the new offensive scheme. “It’s just about keeping that growth mindset,” he explained, reflecting on the challenges of training camp. Despite facing some difficulties, such as multiple false starts during practice, he displayed resilience against the Bills’ first-team defense.

During a series of drills leading up to the game, Williams excelled, notably completing 9 of 10 passes in seven-on-seven drills and connecting with wide receiver Rome Odunze for two touchdowns. His ability to build chemistry with his receivers, including Zaccheaus, is a promising sign for the Bears’ offense as the season approaches.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent took over for Williams and contributed to the offensive effort, completing 13 of 22 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who assumed playcalling duties for the second half, the Bears outgained the Bills by a staggering 348 yards.

As Williams continues to develop his skills and adapt to the demands of the NFL, his performance against the Bills serves as an optimistic indicator for what lies ahead for the Chicago Bears in the 2024 season. With a solid foundation established in this preseason opener, the team looks poised to make a significant impact this year.