Caleb Williams made his highly anticipated NFL debut with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, leading the team to a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans. While the win was a positive start to his professional career, Williams’ individual performance didn’t live up to the high expectations set for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
The rookie quarterback completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, a stat line that was far from impressive. The Bears’ offense, in fact, didn’t score any of the team’s touchdowns. Both came from the defense—one on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and the other on a pick-six. Despite the underwhelming numbers, Williams remained unfazed by the criticism that followed his debut.
When asked about his performance, Williams brushed off concerns about his stats. “Yeah, I don’t care about stats. I feel great,” Williams said in the post-game press conference. “To be honest with you, I feel great.” His focus was squarely on the bigger picture: the Bears starting the season in the win column.
While Williams’ confidence was evident, he acknowledged that there’s still work to be done. As the leader of the offense, he knows improvement is necessary, and the game was far from perfect. “Obviously, we didn’t perform how we wanted to offensively,” Williams admitted. “We want to be the most efficient team out there, myself included. I didn’t perform the way I wanted to. I missed a few passes that I normally don’t miss.”
RELATED: Caleb Williams Subtly Honors Bears with Painted Nails in NFL Week 1
Williams’ poise under pressure reflects a maturity that bodes well for his future in the league. He understands that success in the NFL is not just about statistics, but about finding ways to win games, especially in tough situations. Still, he is aware that the Bears’ offense needs to pick up steam if they’re going to be competitive throughout the season.
Next week, Williams and the Bears will have a chance to showcase their progress on a national stage as they face the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football. It will be another opportunity for the rookie quarterback to find his rhythm and silence any remaining doubts.
As the season unfolds, Williams seems determined to improve, sharpen his skills, and lead the Bears with the same confidence that made him the No. 1 overall pick.
Though his debut may not have been the blockbuster performance many had hoped for, Williams is keeping a level head and looking at the long-term goals. His focus is clear: winning. And for the Bears, that’s exactly what they did in Week 1.
