During the Chicago Bears‘ preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams experienced a difficult start that drew mixed reactions from fans. Preparing for his second season under new head coach Ben Johnson, Williams aimed to build on the momentum after the Bears’ previous 38-0 win over the Buffalo Bills by facing a more formidable defensive lineup led by Andy Reid.
In the opening quarter, Williams held the ball too long in the pocket while searching for an open receiver, resulting in a five-yard sack that caught the attention of many viewers. This early setback raised concerns over his decision-making speed and pocket awareness during high-pressure situations.
Mixed Fan Reactions and Performance Highlights in Game Action
While the sack prompted critical fan commentary, Williams completed 11 of 15 attempts for 113 yards throughout the game. His key contribution came in the second quarter when he connected with wide receiver Rome Odunze on a three-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 20-10 as the teams headed into halftime.
Despite past struggles during his rookie campaign—finishing 5-12 with the Bears under former coach Matt Eberflus and being the most sacked quarterback in the league with 68 sacks—there is cautious optimism surrounding Williams’ development. Fans and analysts alike hope that the arrival of offensive specialist Ben Johnson will help sharpen the quarterback’s skills and reduce protection breakdowns.
Colin Cowherd Evaluates Williams’ Fit with Ben Johnson’s Offense
Following the Bears’ dominant win against the Bills, sports analyst Colin Cowherd discussed Caleb Williams’ compatibility with Ben Johnson’s offensive approach. Cowherd observed improvements in Williams’ decisiveness and praised some of his situational awareness on the field.
“I thought he (Williams) looked decisive,” Cowherd said. “I thought he looked sharp. At one point, he dirtied a ball on the screen — a smart play. He got out that, avoided a negative play. … So (against the Bills), Caleb Williams actually looked a little bit like Jared Goff.”
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Analyst
“I think Caleb Williams comp, when I watch him, is a little Brett Favre,” he added. “You’ve gotta let him be a little bit of a gunslinger. You’ve gotta to let him be himself. But Brett Favre mostly played on time, played on schedule. … “So I think this is a marriage stylistically that is not perfect. But I know Caleb. I like Caleb. He’s coachable.”
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Analyst
Looking Ahead to the Bears’ Upcoming Season Opener
The Bears are set to begin their regular season on September 8 against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. As Caleb Williams and the Bears prepare to face the challenges of the new season, much of the focus will be on how well the young quarterback adapts to Ben Johnson’s system and whether he can overcome the hurdles that plagued his rookie year.
The preseason finale highlighted both struggles and potential, signaling that while the road ahead may remain challenging, there are promising signs of growth for Williams and the Chicago Bears.