Caleb Williams Sliced Bills To Pieces In First Drive Of Ben Johnson Era

People were worried after the preseason opener when the Chicago Bears opted not to play Caleb Williams. Many felt it was a glaring sign the young quarterback wasn't adjusting to Ben Johnson's offense well enough. The head coach didn't raise any alarms. He merely stated this was part of the process. A few days later, he announced that Williams and most of the starters would play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. Fans were nervous. What happens if he struggles? The national media would be brutal in such an event.

They needn't have worried.

Despite a botched kick return and a holding penalty, Williams calmly guided the Bears on a 92-yard march in just seven plays for a touchdown. It was highlighted by a 29-yard strike to Cole Kmet and a 36-yard catch and run for the score by Olamide Zaccheaus. First round pick Colston Loveland also had two catches for 26 yards. It was a thing of beauty. Williams looked calm and collected the entire time, playing with great timing and rhythm. It was the first sign that Johnson has guided him down the right path.

Caleb Williams still has plenty of work to do.

The Bears went through some protection issues on the second drive, which forced some rushed throws. That didn't stop Caleb Williams from converting a beautiful third down to D.J. Moore. He also should've had another to Rome Odunze, but it was dropped. He finished the evening 6-of-10 for 101 yards and a touchdown. It wasn't a ton of work. Still, it certainly whetted the palate of what this offense can become as the quarterback and coach grow more comfortable with each other. The scary part is the running game never really got involved. Deion Hankins was the only back they used, and he's a long shot to make the roster. Imagine what'll happen once D'Andre Swift gets involved. The possibilities become much scarier. Williams has to feel at least a little vindicated from the evening. He got to show that he can play the position like a professional.