The excitement in Chicago is palpable this week after a glimpse of what might be a bright future for the Bears.
Caleb Williams, the team’s No. 1 overall pick from last year, made a statement in his first preseason action that has fans dreaming big — some even whispering about a potential Super Bowl run.
A Fresh Start for the Windy City
Williams’ rookie season didn’t go as planned. The 23-year-old quarterback endured a forgettable first year as the Bears struggled under head coach Matt Eberflus, finishing with a 5-12 record. However, the team has now turned a corner. The Bears successfully lured Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to Chicago as their new head coach, sparking hope that Williams and the team can take a giant leap forward.
Explosive Preseason Performance
Sunday night at Soldier Field offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible.
Williams played his first snaps of the preseason in a dominant 38-0 win over the Buffalo Bills, immediately impressing with a commanding opening drive.
He led the Bears on a 92-yard march downfield, culminating in a 36-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus.
By the end of his two series, Williams had completed six-of-10 passes for 130 yards, with a touchdown and a perfect 130.0 passer rating.
Fans Take to Social Media in Awe
The NFL community didn’t hold back on social media. One fan wrote, “Say what you want about preseason… that drive from Caleb Williams was exactly what we had to see.”
Another posted, “Preseason or not… what an opening drive for Caleb Williams under the new leadership and coaching staff of the Ben Johnson era!!! Wow.”
Some went further, calling him “the greatest quarterback of all time,” while others predicted a 2025 MVP award and a Super Bowl victory.
A more measured observer noted simply, “Caleb Williams threw some absolute lasers on that first drive.”
Supporting Cast Shines
Williams wasn’t the only Bear making headlines.
Tyson Bagent stepped in during the second quarter, orchestrating three touchdown drives.
He capped a 61-yard drive with a precise 10-yard pass to Tyler Scott in the corner of the end zone.
Running backs Brittain Brown and Ian Wheeler also impressed.
Brown finished an 86-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown, while Wheeler closed an 84-yard drive in similar fashion.
By halftime, the Bears had dominated, outgaining the Bills 343-22 and controlling first downs 18-1.
Buffalo’s Backups Struggle Without Starters
Buffalo’s starters, including reigning MVP Josh Allen, were held out of the game.
Running back James Cook, who had been holding out before a recent contract extension, was also absent.
With backups on the field, the Bills struggled to find any rhythm.
Former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky relieved starter Mike White, but neither could make much of an impact.
What Lies Ahead for Chicago
While it’s still early preseason, the signs for the Bears are promising.
Williams’ opening drive, combined with contributions from Bagent, Brown, and Wheeler, has reignited fan optimism.
With a new head coach in Ben Johnson and a team looking to bounce back, Chicago could be in for an exciting season ahead — perhaps even a shot at their first Super Bowl since 2007.
