What we learned as Caleb Williams excites, electrifies in Bears’ 33-6 preseason win vs. Bills

What we learned as Caleb Williams excites, electrifies in Bears’ 33-6 preseason win vs. Bills originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

ORCHARD PARK, New York — Caleb Williams makes no small plans and isn’t one to temper excitement.

The rookie quarterback has not shied away from the attention and expectations he and the Bears face this fall while at the podium. His preseason debut Saturday against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium did nothing to tamp down the blaze of enthusiasm his arrival has created.

Williams played 18 snaps in the Bears’ 33-6 win, showing the arm talent, pocket presence, and improvisational playmaking ability that captivated general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus early in the draft process.

Down four starters, the Bears’ defense also looked the part in their quarter against Bills quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of Buffalo’s starters.

But the day belonged to Williams. Saturday in Western New York, the air was heavy with anticipation. An electric current surged through the stadium as Williams took the field. It quickly dissipated when he left, and the game devolved into a typical preseason game.

But all that mattered Saturday were Williams’ two drives, which only increased the excitement and energy around him and the Bears’ bright future.

Here’s what we learned in the Bears’ 33-6 win in Buffalo:

The wait is over

Williams’ unofficial NFL debut had a little bit of everything.

The No. 1 overall pick went 4-for-7 for 95 yards (passer rating of 101.8) while adding 13 on the ground.

Williams and the first-team offense racked up 147 yards on two drives. His day included a cross-body dart to tight end Cole Kmet on the run, a nifty shovel pass to D’Andre Swift for a gain of 42, and a shot to DJ Moore to move the sticks on third-and-12.

Williams did miss an open Rome Odunze in the end zone on his second drive, but all in all, it was a good debut for the new face of the Bears’ franchise.

Outside of the Bears’ red-zone woes, Saturday went…


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Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-08-10 19:44:30

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