Caleb Williams’ Bears Debut: 5 Key Observations From His First Preseason Game

Caleb Williams, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory, made his NFL preseason debut on Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills.

Caleb Williams’ Bears Debut: 5 Key Observations From His First Preseason Game

1. Williams Made A Strong First Impression

Caleb Williams didn’t play much in his preseason debut, but the No. 1 overall pick wasted no time making an impact. In just one-quarter of play, Williams completed 4-of-7 passes for 95 yards and added 13 rushing yards, showcasing a glimpse of the talent that led the Bears to make him their franchise quarterback. His ability to step into his throws and hit tight windows, even in windy conditions, was on full display, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.

2. Highlight-Reel Plays Show Off Unique Skill Set

Williams demonstrated why he’s considered a special talent with a series of highlight-worthy plays. On a third-and-12, he delivered a laser to D.J. Moore for a first down, threading the needle against tight coverage. He then followed up with a creative no-look pass to D’Andre Swift, turning what could have been a busted play into a 42-yard gain. Later, Williams rolled out to his right and launched a fastball to Cole Kmet, a throw that showcased both his arm strength and ability to make plays on the move.

3. Mobility Adds Another Dimension

In addition to his impressive arm talent, Williams showed off his athleticism by scrambling for a first down on a third-and-9. His ability to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs adds a valuable dimension to the Bears' offense. Williams smartly slid before taking a hit, demonstrating his awareness.

4. Room for Growth and Learning

Although Williams' first game showed promise, there were still some valuable lessons to be learned. Despite almost throwing an interception while under pressure, he was saved by a penalty against the Bills. Additionally, he missed the mark on a few passes, like the one to Rome Odunze in the end zone that went too long. These are the areas where Williams will need to improve as he progresses in his NFL career.

5. Living Up to the Hype

Williams' performance during his brief preseason appearances validated the hype surrounding him as the top overall draft pick. His impressive blend of arm strength, agility, and improvisational skills were on display, offering Bears supporters a lot to anticipate as the regular season nears. Despite the early stage of his career, Williams convincingly demonstrated why he was chosen first in the draft and why Chicago's prospects appear promising under his leadership.