Caleb Williams vs. Bengals: How Bears No. 1 pick fared in second NFL test

08-17-2024
2 min read
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The Chicago Bears offense began their preseason game versus the Cincinnati Bengals with three consecutive three-and-outs, and the mood was low.

Soon after, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a handful of dynamic plays that will once again have Chicago abuzz with excitement about the new-look Bears.

Williams finished the day 6-for-13 for 75 yards passing and a rushing touchdown.

After a Rome Odunze 16-yard end-around play got the Bears offense going on drive number four, Williams drew a pass interference call on a 43-yard pass to Tyler Scott.

From there, Williams got swallowed up in the pocket for a sack but then completed his next two passes, setting up a Chicago field goal with 9:08 left in the second quarter.

Williams's fifth and final drive of the day was by far the most impressive. Williams and the Bears offense covered 90 yards over 8 plays and 3:19 minutes of game clock, culminating in a seven-yard rushing TD from Williams that developed from scrambling out of the pocket.

The highlight of the drive and game for Williams was a 45-yard laser to Rome Odunze for the pair's first big connection of the season, which set up the aforementioned touchdown.

Overall, it was a far from perfect performance from Williams in his Soldier Field debut, but he made a few huge plays that will surely keep the hype machine humming heading into next week.

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