Chicago — Caleb Williams made a strong impression in his preseason debut, leading the Bears to a quick touchdown on their opening drive against the Buffalo Bills. This performance comes after a challenging start to the previous season, where the Bears were one of only three NFL teams not to score during their opening possessions.

In a convincing 38-0 victory, Williams orchestrated a seven-play, 92-yard drive that ended with a 36-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus. “I think it sets a tone for how we expect ourselves to play,” Williams said, emphasizing the importance of starting strong. The Bears had the ball first after the Bills opted to defer at kickoff, and despite an early setback with a kickoff return mishap, Williams quickly regained control.

The former top draft pick showcased his versatility and confidence, completing 6 of 10 passes for 107 yards, culminating in a touchdown and a passer rating of 103.6. His contributions were pivotal, as he demonstrated a growing rapport with various receivers, including tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, as well as DJ Moore.

Head coach Ben Johnson noted the quarterback’s progress during training camp, acknowledging the learning curve that comes with being a young player. “He’s really been locked in,” Johnson said. “There have been some good days and a few that weren’t up to par, but he’s been able to stack good performances.”

This season’s training camp has presented its own challenges, including a few practice sessions hampered by offensive line penalties. However, Williams’s recent outings indicate progress, especially in two-minute drills and red zone situations. “I think I’ve grown a lot,” he reflected, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent took over for Williams during the Bears’ third offensive drive, completing 13 of 22 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. As the game progressed, the Bears outgained the Bills by a staggering 348 yards, showcasing their offensive prowess under new play-calling strategies.

Overall, Williams’s performance demonstrates the potential this season holds for the Bears as they build their identity in pursuit of improvement. With momentum on their side, the team looks ahead to the remainder of the preseason, hoping to translate this success into the regular season and beyond.