4 Takeaways From Bears’ Preseason Win Over Bills: Caleb Williams Shines

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

And just like that, the Chicago Bears officially (officially) ushered in the Caleb Williams era. After sitting out the Hall of Fame Game, Williams led the starters on the Bears? first two offensive drives. He finished his day 4-for-7 for 95 yards with no touchdowns, turnovers, or sacks taken.

It is a modest stat line, to be sure. But Williams showcased his ability to make throws on the move and deliver the ball from a dirty pocket (which also overlaps with playing in structure).

He was quick and decisive with the ball in his hands, be it throwing or running.

Williams and Co. will get back to work next week with a better understanding of where they are on offense, even amid ongoing injury concerns.

4 Takeaways From Bears? Preseason Win Over Bills

Caleb Williams in Command of Bears? Offense vs Bills

Williams and the starters got off to an ominous start, highlighted by an incompletion on his first pass attempt that was wiped out by a holding call on second-year right tackle Darnell Wright. Williams orchestrated an eight-play, 58-yard drive that ended in a Cairo Santos field goal.

He was even better on his second possession, a 12-play, 84-yard march that also ended in a Santos kick. Williams? day was almost better were it not for a DJ Moore drop and a miss to Rome Odunze.

With all that he did on the field, Williams was as impressive in going through what he saw and explaining some of the decisions he made during the game. None of it comes as a surprise, but it was time to see it in action and Williams delivered. How he follows up the effort versus the Cincinnati Bengals next week now that there is tape on him is key.

The Bears did well to move the pocket, especially with Matt Pryor starting at right guard.

Cincinnati ? and all future opponents ? will take care to keep Williams from escaping the pocket and making plays. He proved to be dangerous with that in this game.

That is where throws like his screen to D?Andre Swift or the third-down conversion to Moore stand out. Both throws came with Williams facing heavy pressure and were delivered on time and ? more importantly ? on target. As with everyone, stacking performances will be critical.

Reddy Steward Delivers

Bears nickelbacks coach David Overstreet II told Clocker Sports that undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Reddy Steward was a fast learner.

?I really like Reddy … The rookie surprised me. I didn?t think he was going to do the stuff he was doing, but he is very smart,? Overstreet told Clocker Sports on August 8. ?Only Kyler, in my group, picks up the install faster than Reddy.”

Steward had a quiet (one tackle) showing in the Hall of Fame game.

He certainly acquitted himself nicely versus the Bills. Steward finished with five tackles, showing sticky coverage and a willingness to come up in run support.

Steward is at what is the Bears’ deepest position group. But his inside-outside versatility, IQ, and playing style mesh well with this defense. It will be difficult to keep him off the field if he keeps marrying what he is doing in meetings and on the practice field with gameday results.

Fellow reserve Micah Baskerville stole the show with a pick-six. But Steward was steady and solid.

Velus Jones RB Snaps

Head Coach Matt Eberflus said that Velus Jones Jr.?s switch to running back was something they were trying during this phase of training camp. After Saturday, there is little reason to move off of it.

Jones took six handoffs in the game. That was the second-most on the team behind Khalil Herbert whose battle with Roschon Johnson is on hold amid the latter?s injury absence. Jones also scored on the ground.

Jones, drafted as a wide receiver in 2022, was not targeted in the passing game.

He was back to return kicks and had one hit the turf. That has been an issue for Jones in his career. That and his issues catching the football (52% career catch rate, per Pro Football Reference).? A successful move to running back could be Jones’ best shot to make the roster.

Rookie Ian Wheeler also showed well in his preseason debut (5-43-2), adding to the roster competition Jones faces this preseason.

Austin Booker?s Big Day

Rookie fifth-round pick Austin Booker was a regular in the Bills? backfield on Saturday. The 6-foot-6 edge rusher logged 2.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss. He did not draw the start in place of the injured Montez Sweat opposite DeMarcus Walker.

That honor went to third-year pass rusher Dominique Robinson, who also showed well in his snaps, albeit without the relatively gaudy numbers.

Still, Booker showed his athleticism against the pass and held up against the run.

That latter part will likely be the determining factor in how much playing time he sees as a rookie. He already looks like he may be the team?s second-best pure pass rusher. He too had a relatively quiet first outing in the Hall of Fame Game and will need to stack these performances.

But the Bears general manager Ryan Poles? decision to hold off on adding a veteran pass rusher to compliment Sweat means more opportunity for Booker among others.

The rookie took full advantage versus the Bills.