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USC NFL Live Updates: Caleb Williams Struggles, Sam Darnold Flourishing

The first weekend of the 2024 NFL season is underway and the USC Trojans are well represented headlined by number one overall pick Caleb Williams.

Kyron Samuels

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of their game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of their game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. / Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Slow Start In Chicago:

The number one overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft Caleb Williams got off to a slow start in his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans. Williams started nine for 18 with 65 passing yards and took two sacks.

Williams's struggles aren’t a huge surprise as he’s a rookie in his first start, but it will be key for him to speed up his internal clock to get the ball out faster. The Bears are winning 24-17 after being down 17-3 in the third quarter. Williams' defense and special teams have both scored touchdowns.

The Bears got the win, 24-17. Williams finished with 93 passing yards on 14-of-29 throws.

Darnold Dazzles:

Darnold and the Vikings beat the Giants 28-6. Darnold had two touchdowns and one interception. He only incompleted five of his 24 passes for 208 yards.

Minnesota Vikings and former USC Trojans quarterback started the season in literally the best way possible. Darnold completed a perfect ten of ten passes for 136 yards and a touchdown to All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Darnold kept the momentum rolling scoring on an early third quarter drive to bring his passing totals to 15 for 17 with 181 passing yards and two touchdowns with 12:08 left in the third. Darnold is the starter until first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy returns next season. Darnold’s showing in his tenure will be a driving force in his placement next season. 

Bullock's Breakout:

Houston Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock intercepted Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson in a late second-quarter drive. In his first game in the National Football League Bullock made his presence felt in a major way. The third-round pick is slated to be a key player for Demeco Ryan’s defense.

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Kyron Samuels

KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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