Instant Reactions: Caleb Williams overcomes slow start in Soldier Field debut

It wasn’t a pretty start for the Chicago Bears’ offense.

Three straight three-and-outs to begin the day probably isn’t what Shane Waldron, Caleb Williams, and the rest of the first-team offense had in mind when taking the field against the Cincinnati Bengals’ back-ups.

But nine plays wasn’t enough for Caleb. Williams and the starting offensive line returned to the field for a fourth drive following an impressive interception by Amen Ogbongbemiga.

Rome Odunze raced around the edge, juking a Bengals defender to pick up 16 yards for the Bears’ first first down of the afternoon. Williams effortlessly heaved a deep ball for Tyler Scott that dropped incomplete, but Scott drew DPI for a 43-yard spot foul. The drive stalled after Williams was sacked from behind, but Cairo Santos knocked through an easy 37-yard field goal.

The real highlights came on Williams’ fifth and final drive. The No. 1 overall pick found the No. 9 overall pick down the left sideline with a perfectly placed, over-the-shoulder 45-yard bomb after spinning out of a sack.

Four plays later, Caleb worked his finest Mahomian Magic, keeping his eyes up field before scrambling behind Teven Jenkins for a 7-yard touchdown run.

Tyson Bagent found Dante Pettis in the endzone twice in the third quarter before Brett Rypien closed out of the game for the Bears at quarterback.

Make that two consecutive games for the Bears’ defense without allowing a touchdown.

Nicholas Moreano

It took five offensive drives, but Caleb Williams and the first-team team offense ended their day at Soldier Field by giving fans something they can cheer and smile about. Williams showed his ability to improvise, and hit Rome Odunze down the left sideline for a 45-yard gain. Three plays later, Williams scrambled around and scored on a 7-yard touchdown. When Williams extends a play, he has a knack for making special plays happen. Also, shout out to Kyler Gordon. Spider-Man had himself a day in his preseason debut. Someone needs to see if quarterback Logan Woodside is okay after Gordon obliterated him on a nickel blitz.

Adam Hoge

Don’t care if it’s the preseason. Don’t care if the Bengals’ starters weren’t out there. Caleb Williams showed the NFL world exactly why everyone is so excited about the Bears’ future. While the day started with three 3-and-outs, Williams was still able to rally the offense even after DJ Moore and Keenan Allen went to the bench. He has a rare feel for the pressure around him and instincts you can’t teach, which were on display on the 45-yard completion to the Rome Odunze. Get used to the 18 to 15 connection!

Kevin Kaduk

Like Ryan Poles, I’m so thankful the Bears coaches let Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze get that extra play time.  Instead of a post-mortem filled with discussion of three-and-outs, we got Caleb’s first iconic play at Soldier Field — a drop-it-in-the-bucket dime down the left sideline to his fellow top 10 pick. It was the type of play we used to see in our dreams but is now a glimpse at the next era of Bears football.  Elsewhere, we got to see the Bears’ tremendous depth on both sides of the ball and it’s impossible not to be excited for what the 2024 season holds.  Is it September 8 yet?

Greg Braggs Jr.

Is it Week 1 yet?!

Caleb Williams and the Bears offense shows just how dynamic it can be in back to back weeks with so much more room to grow. The Bears defense looks locked and loaded and ready to play tomorrow. The return of Montez Sweat and Kyler Gordon was a reminder of the kind of talent on that side of the ball. The depth on this team probably stood out more than anything today. Tyson Bagent was throwing dots and showing a maturity in his 2nd year. The DB room is absolutely loaded with lesser known guys like Josh Blackwell and Terrell Smith making plays. And back to back weeks from Daniel Hardy making plays on the defensive line.

And a big shoutout to Matt Eberflus. This team has looked prepared on a higher level in all 3 preseason games so far. The quality reps the starters are getting seems to be a healthy change from the approach of last year. All good signs.

22 days until Week 1 but I wish it was next Sunday. Bear Down.

Patrick Norton

Are you not entertained? 64.6 rating be damned, Caleb Williams gave Bears fans exactly what they were looking for in his Soldier Field debut: hope. It wasn’t perfect, and it was far from pretty at times, but Caleb, with the help of a swarming defense and healthy, upright offensive line, found his stride. His near-perfect heave to Tyler Scott only failed to connect because of a pesky 43-yard DPI that set the Bears up within the 20. His magician-like dart to Rome Odunze that did connect for 45 yards made up for that and more. Who knows if we’ll see Caleb and the starters on Thursday night in Kansas City, but one thing is for certain: the Chicago Bears have a dude playing quarterback.