Caleb Williams’ highly anticipated NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans didn’t go quite as expected for the Chicago Bears’ rookie quarterback. The 2024 first overall pick struggled to find his footing, completing just 14 of his 29 pass attempts for a mere 93 yards. It was a far cry from the dominant performances Bears fans had hoped for, given his stellar college career.
Despite Williams’ underwhelming showing, the Bears managed to eke out a victory, thanks to outstanding efforts from their defense and special teams. A blocked punt and a crucial interception thrown by Titans quarterback Will Levis late in the game shifted momentum in Chicago’s favor. In a hard-fought contest, the Bears pulled off a narrow 24-17 comeback win, masking what was a tough day at the office for their rookie signal-caller.
However, Williams wasn’t content with simply walking away with the win. In his post-game interview, the young quarterback made it clear that he holds himself to a higher standard and was far from satisfied with his performance. He acknowledged that his play needs to improve if the Bears are going to be successful as the season progresses.
“I sat down, enjoyed the moment, just watching all the guys celebrate, understanding that I need to be better, and I will be better,” Williams said, via Josh Schrock. “Whether it’s a win or loss, you expect to play a certain way. You expect yourself to perform a certain way, to make passes—whether it’s just a routine pass or an insane kind of play. That didn’t happen today, so it’s enough motivation for me.”
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Williams’ self-awareness and determination were on full display as he reflected on his struggles. His comments showed a maturity beyond his years, recognizing that while a win is important, his individual performance needs to match the high expectations placed on him as the first overall draft pick.
The Bears offense struggled mightily to get going, with the team falling into an early 17-0 hole. Williams found it difficult to establish a rhythm, as the Titans’ defense applied pressure and forced him into uncomfortable situations. Yet, despite the offensive woes, the Bears’ defense kept them in the game, making critical stops and giving Williams opportunities to regroup.
In the end, it was Chicago’s defense that delivered the decisive blow—a pick-six late in the fourth quarter sealed the win. While Williams may not have had the debut he envisioned, the victory highlighted the Bears’ potential as a balanced team, capable of winning even when their offense falters.
Williams’ struggles are not uncommon for rookie quarterbacks making their first NFL start. The transition from college to the professional level is notoriously difficult, and many great quarterbacks have faced early adversity in their careers. What sets the best apart is how they respond to those challenges, and Williams seems determined to learn from his mistakes and improve moving forward.
With this first game under his belt, the rookie quarterback now has a foundation to build on. As the season unfolds, Williams will have plenty of opportunities to show why he was the No. 1 overall pick. The Bears will need him to rise to the occasion, especially if they hope to contend in a competitive NFC.
Though his first outing wasn’t a highlight reel performance, Caleb Williams has shown the right attitude—accepting responsibility for his play and remaining committed to getting better.
If his work ethic matches his talent, it’s only a matter of time before he delivers the kind of performances that made him such a coveted player in the NFL draft.
