LONDON — In a commanding performance, Caleb Williams led the Chicago Bears to a decisive 35-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, throwing four touchdown passes. Two of these touchdowns connected with wide receiver Keenan Allen and another pair with tight end Cole Kmet, who also stepped in as an emergency long snapper after the team’s regular snapped went down with an injury. This marked the Bears’ third consecutive win, a feat they hadn’t achieved in nearly four years, bringing their record to 4-2.
The action was highlighted by a festive tea party celebration in the end zone led by Allen following his 9-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. His second touchdown extended the Bears’ lead to 28-10 early in the final quarter. Bears running back D’Andre Swift also made his mark with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Jaguars (1-5) began the game with a decent start, but a false start penalty on receiver Gabe Davis preceded a missed touchdown opportunity, forcing Jacksonville to settle for a field goal on their opening drive. In the second half, Davis managed to catch two touchdown passes from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the second of which narrowed the score to 35-16.
Kmet’s contributions were crucial, starting with a 31-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter that brought the Bears ahead 7-3. His performance came amidst a no-huddle offensive scheme that revitalized Chicago’s attack. Later, he was instrumental in the closing moments of the first half, making a reception in the end zone with just 13 seconds remaining, capping off an impressive 85-yard march that included Williams making notable scrambles for 23 and 19 yards.
The California native and first overall pick in this year’s NFL draft ended the game with 23 completions out of 29 attempts for 226 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He also added 56 yards with his legs over four carries. Kmet finished with five receptions for 70 yards, while Swift contributed with 91 yards on 17 attempts.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, who received support from the team’s ownership just a day prior, acknowledged at halftime that his team faced “self-inflicted wounds” while trailing 14-3. Unfortunately, tight end Evan Engram, returning from injury, fumbled after a catch during Jacksonville’s first drive of the third quarter, enabling the Bears to capitalize and score again through Allen.
Lawrence managed to complete 23 of his 35 throws for 234 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, while Engram recorded 10 catches for 102 yards.
This marks the Bears’ first three-game streak since late in the 2020 season. As an interesting side note, Welsh rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, part of the Jaguars’ practice squad, made an appearance and exchanged pleasantries with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the field, a testament to the league’s international outreach efforts.
In terms of injuries, the Jaguars evaluated safety Darnell Savage and cornerback Jarrian Jones for concussions that occurred during a third-quarter collision. On the Bears’ side, long snapper Scott Daly is out due to a knee injury, while cornerback Kyler Gordon was ruled out in the second half. Chicago also played without two starting secondary players: safety Jaquan Brisker, who is recovering from a concussion, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who has a calf injury sustained in practice.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars will remain in London to face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium, while the Bears will enjoy a bye week before heading to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 8.