Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made his preseason debut during Sunday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills, and his first live-game action under new head coach Ben Johnson didn’t disappoint.
Williams led the Bears on a seven-play, 92-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. On that first series, Williams completed 5-of-6 passes for 97 yards with a touchdown and a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
The second series wasn’t as successful, ending in a punt after wide receiver Rome Odunze failed to haul in a pass on third down, but Williams’ night was an overall productive one. Williams completed 6-of-10 passes for 107 yards, one touchdown and a 130.0 passer rating. But, most importantly, he looked comfortable, decisive and sharp in his first live action since Johnson took over.
As you can imagine, there was plenty of reaction to Williams’ preseason performance, including some overreaction and plenty of reasonable praise for the second-year QB’s impressive start.
NFL world reacts to Bears QB Caleb Williams’ hot start
Wow. What a start: Caleb Williams hits Olamide Zaccheaus for a 36-yard TD to cap a 93-yard opening drive.
Caleb on the drive: 5/6, 97 yards, TD and a perfect 158.3 rating.pic.twitter.com/TDUNOh2ZqU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2025
Here’s a funny thing that people forget about Caleb Williams…
He’s obviously good. And can be great.
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) August 18, 2025
Happy with that second drive. Should have been a catch by Odunze. Also swift in the game would help. Good decisions by Caleb Williams.
Also loved the communication with Ben. Already an improvement over Waldron. Even body language.
Go #bears
– cream
— Cream sleeve (@CSleeve16374) August 18, 2025
Caleb Williams looks SHARP tonight.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 18, 2025
I really, truly hope everyone enjoyed getting their Caleb Williams jokes off while they had their chance his rookie year under Eberflus.
We are not writing back in Year 2 in the Ben Johnson offense.
— WBR (@W_B_Rick) August 18, 2025
Two series for Caleb Williams. #Bears open The Bagency for third series. Tyson Bagent’s in…Ben Johnson came in hoping to see progress in his QB and his offense, and he did that. Small sample size, but it’s a step in the right direction. #Bears
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) August 18, 2025
The important thing isn’t the stats for Caleb Williams.
He’s getting the ball out on time. He’s hitting receivers in stride out of the break. He’s trusting his reads. He’s playing within the offense and not trying to be the offense.
That was the dream.
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) August 18, 2025
Is there stormy weather over Soldier Field or was that just a lightning bolt that came from Caleb Williams arm. #TDPass
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) August 18, 2025
Caleb Williams gets a coach with a brain and all of a sudden he looks like Patrick Mahomes.
Who could have seen this coming.
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) August 18, 2025
Monday’s National Headlines:
Despite his preseason performance, its becoming clear not even Ben Johnson can save Caleb Williams.
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) August 18, 2025
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