How was Caleb Williams’ NFL debut?
The Titans were dominated by the Bears as the first pick in the draft, completing only 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, and relied on his defense for this win
![CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears gestures for a first down after a play in the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Quinn Harris/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Quinn Harris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/4XW7GKPMK45P2NY3MN6N3GQZNI.jpg?auth=7ffd51657d6915e5136de9a37f1d671c1fcb458e74c1f80ac7589bfe441e5676&width=360&height=203&focal=1666%2C829)
Caleb Williams’ long-awaited NFL debut did not bring the individual results he had hoped for. The Chicago Bears (1-0) beat the Tennessee Titans (0-1) 24-17 at Soldier Field, but the rookie struggled against the opposing defense. The quarterback completed 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards. He also used his legs five times to gain 15 yards.
Williams was sacked twice. The first was the most serious when he lost 19 yards after being sacked by Sebastian Joseph-Day after trying to extend the play. The second was when he lost 10 yards after being sacked by Harold Landry.
One of the most exciting plays of the USC graduate's debut was a pass that ended in a fumble after being deflected by a defender. Williams looked for DJ Moore, but the ball hit Quandre Diggs' helmet, Rome Odunze caught it, but fumbled and Tevon Jenkins recovered.
Defense and special teams answer for Caleb Williams
Chicago’s offense only managed to generate three scoring drives, resulting in nine points from three field goals kicked by Cairo Santos. However, the special teams and defense stepped up to secure the victory for the rookie quarterback. Initially, they blocked a punt, which was then returned for a 21-yard touchdown by Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles’ husband. Later, Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass from Will Levis and returned it 43 yards for another touchdown.
With the Titans looking to tie the game and force overtime, Levis looked to Tyler Boyd, but Jaylon Johnson stole the ball, and Caleb Williams took a knee twice before winning the game.
What’s next for the Chicago Bears?
Next up for the Chicago Bears this season is a visit to NRG Stadium to face the Houston Texans (8:15 p.m. ET) on the second Sunday Night of the 2024 season.
Caleb Williams and company will face a great defense led by Will Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year.