NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Schrock’s report card: Grading Caleb Williams, Bears in preseason win vs. Bengals originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
CHICAGO — If that was it for Caleb Williams in the preseason, the Bears’ rookie quarterback emphatically punctuated his exhibition season Saturday in Chicago’s 27-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field.
Williams started slow Saturday as the Bears’ first-team offense went three-and-out on their first three possessions. But the No. 1 overall pick finished the day with an adrenaline-inducing series of plays that included a 45-yard off-platform strike to Rome Odunze, a should-have-been touchdown on a laser to Odunze (the receiver was out of bounds), and a 7-yard touchdown scramble.
“He’s always rising to the occasion,” head coach Matt Eberflus said of Williams after the win.
Eberflus called Williams’ day “professional,” noting how the rookie quarterback kept an even-keeled demeanor as the offense was slow to get out of the blocks against the Bengals’ second-string defense.
With the Bears’ preseason finale in just five days, it seems unlikely that Williams and the starters will suit up again before the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
If Saturday was the end of the preseason slate for the ones, the defense looks ready. Williams and the offense have the juice, but consistency is needed.
Here’s a report card from an August romp:
Passing Offense
Williams and the offense sputtered to start Saturday’s game.
Williams’ first pass was high and hot to Keenan Allen, and the first drive ended with an intentional grounding that was a product of a miscommunication between Williams and a few of his receivers.
The offensive line struggled to keep the pressure off Williams, and the rookie quarterback was lucky not to turn the ball over on an off-platform throw that went awry thanks to an appearance from the turf monster.
But Williams finished the day strong. His chemistry with Odunze is improving daily, and the combination of arm talent, pocket…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/schrocks-report-card-grading-caleb-031512067.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-08-18 03:15:12
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
