During Sunday night’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made a strong impression in his first game under new head coach Ben Johnson. Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, led a lengthy 92-yard touchdown drive while completing five of six passes for 97 yards, showcasing early signs of growth despite adjustments from offseason struggles.
The touchdown came on a deep 36-yard pass to Olamide Zaccheaus—Williams’ first touchdown pass over 35 yards, a notable milestone considering he threw only one such pass in his rookie year. Across two short drives, Williams finished 6 for 10 with 107 yards and the touchdown before giving way to backup Tyson Bagent.
Early Signs of Comfort Within Ben Johnson’s Offense
Although preseason performances do not predict regular-season success, the debut of Caleb Williams in Ben Johnson’s system revealed promising tendencies. Williams began with an under-center play-action pass to rookie tight end Colston Loveland, signaling a strategic shift from his rookie year. Last season, Williams rarely used play-action passes compared to other quarterbacks, but the opening play suggested a greater emphasis on this approach moving forward.
Following that, Williams completed a precise 29-yard seam route to Cole Kmet, hitting the pass just over a linebacker. He then connected with D.J. Moore for a short five-yard out route, and later found Loveland again crossing the field for 19 yards, where the rookie tight end made a remarkable catch using his 6-foot-6 frame to secure the ball.
Detroit, where Johnson previously coached, frequently deployed two tight ends, and the early involvement of both Loveland and Kmet may reflect a similar philosophy shaping the Bears offense this season.
Balanced Passing and Protection Highlight Progress
The second drive showed slightly less efficiency but included another accurate throw to Moore on a crucial third-and-5 play for a nine-yard gain. The possession ended when Williams and fellow rookie Rome Odunze failed to connect on a catchable pass, a reminder of areas still needing refinement.
Perhaps most encouraging was Williams’ ability to avoid sacks during his outing. As a rookie, he was sacked 68 times—a figure tied for the third-most in NFL history—and entering this game, protection and decision-making had been major concerns. Against the Bills, Williams threw decisively and on time, quickly escaping pressure when protection broke down and managing risk carefully, exemplified by a single throwaway screen pass and a swift scramble to avoid a sack.
Upcoming Challenges for Williams and the Bears Offense
The Bears will open their regular season on September 8 against the Minnesota Vikings in a Monday Night Football matchup. This game will mark the first true test for the developing Williams-Johnson offense, as they face Brian Flores’ intricate defensive schemes. The preseason preview offered glimpses of potential and adaptability that could be vital as Chicago aims to improve its offensive consistency.