SI

How Caleb Williams Fared in First Preseason Test As Bears Quarterback

Tom Dierberger

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium. / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Caleb Williams made a good first impression in his official preseason debut Saturday during the Chicago Bears' tilt against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.

Williams, who did not appear in the Bears' 21–17 win over the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game last week, led Chicago's offense for two drives in the first half. Both possessions ended in points, and Williams threw for 95 yards on 4-of-7 passing—good for a 101.8 passer rating.

Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, completed his first pass of the day on a 12-yard strike to DJ Moore to move the chains on a third-and-12, and the very next play he shoveled a quick pass to D'Andre Swift, who ran for 42 yards before being tackled in the red zone.

The Bears had a first-and-10 from Buffalo's 18-yard line, but three straight Khalil Herbert runs didn't move the chains, and kicker Cairo Santos booted a 31-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead.

After the Bills went three-and-out, Williams trotted out back on the field to conduct another drive that started at Chicago's 3-yard line. At one point in the possession, the Bears gained a first down on three straight plays—a 15-yard connection from Williams to receiver Keenan Allen, a 14-yard run by Herbert and a 26-yard rope to tight end Cole Kmet, which was the rookie's best throw of the day.

On the connection with Kmet, Williams was under pressure as he rolled to his right. He pump-faked, threw on the run and found the tight end streaking toward the sideline. First down, Bears.

Williams led Chicago into the red zone once again before the drive stalled, and Santos booted another field goal through the uprights for a 6–0 lead.

Tyson Bagent took over the Bears' quarterbacking duties from there.

After a successful preseason debut, Williams will have another chance to showcase his talents next Saturday when Chicago hosts the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field.

Published
Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

Home/NFL