Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 draft pick, demonstrated potential in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. The 22-year-old quarterback completed four of seven passes for 95 yards and contributed a 13-yard gain on a third-and-9 play by scrambling out of the pocket. Despite a near interception that was nullified by a penalty, Williams led the Bears to 152 yards and seven first downs on 20 plays over two drives, concluding in field goals.
The turning point of the game came in the fourth quarter when Bears linebacker Micah Baskerville intercepted a pass intended for Frank Gore Jr. and returned it for a 53-yard touchdown. The Bears secured a 33-6 victory with additional touchdowns scored by Velus Jones, Ian Wheeler, and solid kicking performances by Cairo Santos.
On the Bills’ side, starting quarterback Josh Allen played only the first quarter, completing two of three passes for 22 yards before being replaced by backup Mitch Trubisky. Buffalo struggled offensively, managing just 200 yards and crossing midfield twice in 11 possessions.
Williams, who was held out of the Bears’ previous preseason game due to injury concerns, impressed with his composure and performance. Demonstrating accuracy and arm strength, Williams showcased his skills with several completions, including a 42-yard pass to D’Andre Swift and a 26-yard connection to Cole Kmet.
The Bears’ preseason outlook seems positive with Williams slated to be the second rookie quarterback to start a season since 1970. With a focus on refining his skills and adjusting to the NFL level of play, Williams exhibited potential for a successful season ahead.
Looking ahead, the Bears are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Bills will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17th in preseason action.
