Instant Reactions: Defense, special teams save day for Caleb Williams, Bears' offense

Party like it’s 2006! More specifically, Monday Night Miracle against the Cardinals in 2006.

Caleb Williams’ debut with the Bears was a shaky one to say the least. The No. 1 overall pick finished the day: 14/29, 93 yards, zero touchdowns and interceptions, and 15 yards on the ground.

But he broke the trend. Williams is the first quarterback selected No. 1 overall to win their first start in more than 20 years, snapping a 15 QB streak.

That’s all thanks to the second half heroics from the Bears’ special teams and defense. A blocked punt by Daniel Hardy returned by Jonathan Owens in the third quarter completely shifted the attitude and vibe at Soldier Field.

The building shook when Tyrique Stevenson intercepted an errant throwaway attempt by Will Levis in the fourth quarter to give the Bears the lead. A two-point conversion from Williams to D’Andre Swift — arguably the best offensive play of the day — put the Bears up seven.

A Jaylon Johnson interception cemented the victory as a dicey, gutsy, and necessary performance from all three phases.

Nicholas Moreano

It wouldn’t be a Bears game if things went according to plan. In Sunday’s victory over the Titans, Caleb Williams and the offense struggled. Even when given advantageous field position, the offense failed to string together positive plays, and it doesn’t help when the offensive line can’t hold up in protection. But luckily for the rookie quarterback, he has an experienced defense and a special teams unit that he can lean on while he gets used to the NFL game. The defense forced three turnovers, including a pick-6, and special teams blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown. It wasn’t pretty, but the Bears needed to win this game and they found a way to escape Week 1 with a victory.

Mark Carman

If you didn’t know better, you would have thought Justin Fields, Mitch Trubisky or even Moses Moreno was at quarterback. But, a win is a win is a win. I thought all week long the Bears would get to Will Levis and turn him over and thankfully the defense came through when they had to. Plenty of room to build on for Caleb, Shane Waldron, Matt Eberflus and company. And that’s fine. 1-0!

Kevin Kaduk

Lovie Ball is back?  What a wild way for Caleb Williams to get his first win in the NFL.  While the offense’s output suggested that of a disjointed preseason warmup, the defense wasn’t interested in a depressing narrative and made Will Levis’ life hell in the second half. There are real issues on the offensive line and Keenan Allen’s play was concerning, but at least the Bears will address it with one in the win column.

Greg Braggs Jr.

Do you believe in miracles?!?!

The absolute most Bears win ever. Welcome to Chicago, Caleb. This is how we win football games here. Caleb Williams had a very rocky performance along with the entire offense. Everyone looked nervous.

The defense got gashed the whole 1st half and then followed that up with one of the more memorable performances in a 2nd half ever. At least it felt like it. It felt like the ’06 Bears. The Monday Night Miracle.

Which was also sparked by Special Teams. A blocked punt for a touchdown. This is how we’ve always won in Chicago. Maybe one day that will change.

1-0. I’ll take it. BEAR DOWN!

Patrick Norton

Matt Eberflus always preaches three takeaways. Consider today’s nerve-wracking win a victory for the Bears’ head coach most of all. Learning how to win in the fourth is hardly an easy task, but the defense did just that against the Titans. Owens’ scoop-and-score, the Darrell Taylor strip-sack, Tyrique’s pick-six, Jaylon’s clincher. Each and every turnover played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win. 1-0 is 1-0, doesn’t matter how it happens or what it takes.