Angel Reese Hypes Caleb Williams in IG Photo as Bears Beat Titans in QB's NFL Debut
Sep 8, 2024
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. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Chicago Fire rookie forward Angel Reese was liking what she saw from Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams during his team's 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
"Them boyz!" she wrote on her Instagram Stories over top of a picture of Williams. "Good shiii rook!"
Angel Reese shows her fellow Chicago rookie Caleb Williams some love ❤️
It wasn't exactly a banner debut from Williams, who finished 14-of-29 for 93 yards with two sacks taken and 15 rushing yards. The Bears offense didn't manage a single touchdown on the game, though Williams did find D'Andre Swift for a successful pass on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter.
Instead, Jonathan Owens' recovery on a blocked punt and Tyrique Stevenson's pick-six were the only two touchdowns on the day for Chicago. Cairo Santos added three field goals in the win.
The Bears will take the result regardless of how the touchdowns were scored, and Williams will have plenty of time to work out some of the rookie kinks.
As for Reese, the double-double machine saw her excellent WNBA rookie season cut short this past week due to a wrist injury.
What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed.… pic.twitter.com/re1X85mWR2
i love you guys & appreciate all the thoughts and prayers! 🥺 i know you guys would cut your wrist off to give it to me in a heart beat😭 but we not done yet! SKYTOWN LET’S GO! 🩵💛
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft finished her debut campaign averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, with a WNBA record of 15 consecutive double-doubles earlier in the season. Her 26 overall double-doubles were the second most in a single season in league history.
Caleb Williams Disappoints Fans in NFL Debut Despite Bears' Comeback Win vs. Titans
Sep 8, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears gestures at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Caleb Williams may be in his Rex Grossman era.
Grossman famously won plenty of games for the Chicago Bears even when he played poorly thanks to the team's special teams and defense, and that is exactly what Williams did in his first career start.
Chicago defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17 on Sunday in Soldier Field despite facing a 17-3 halftime deficit. The No. 1 overall pick didn't play well at 14-of-29 passing for 92 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions, but the defense led the way for the victors.
CALEB WILLIAMS BECOMES FIRST #1 OVERALL QB TO WIN IN DEBUT SINCE 2002 🔥
Tyrique Stevenson's pick-six in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winner after Jonathan Owens' touchdown on a blocked punt turned the momentum. Fittingly, it was Jaylon Johnson's interception of Will Levis that iced the game in the final two minutes.
WILL LEVIS THROWS A PICK SIX
BEARS HAVE SCORED 24 UNANSWERED POINTS. FIRST LEAD OF THE GAME 😲
Need 17 games before we can make a realistic assessment of Caleb Williams honestly. But you can see him getting more comfortable in this game. Using his legs and showing flashes of that athleticism. Offensive line is still an issue in Chicago.
While this was the first game for new Titans head coach Brian Callahan as he looks to help his team bounce back from two straight losing seasons, all eyes were on the Bears and Williams' regular-season debut.
He was the headliner of a drastic offensive overhaul this season that also saw the NFC North team trade Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers and add Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett to an offense that already featured DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.
Expectations were sky-high entering Sunday's opener for a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since the 2010 campaign, but that optimism quickly faded during an abysmal start. First, Williams took a sack for a 19-yard loss to move out of field-goal range, and then Tennessee scored the first touchdown with a long Tony Pollard run.
As if that wasn't enough, Velus Jones Jr. fumbled the ensuing kickoff to set up a Titans field goal before Chigoziem Okonkwo came down with a 50-50 jump ball for a touchdown. Even Chicago's lone field goal ahead of a 17-3 halftime deficit didn't make the fans feel better, as it came after Allen dropped a touchdown.
Then it all changed thanks to the defense and special teams.
Owens scooping up the blocked punt and returning it for a touchdown finally gave the fans, some of whom were booing at halftime, something to cheer for. And then a strip-sack from Darrell Taylor and multiple long field goals from Cairo Santos made it a one-point game before Stevenson made the biggest play of the contest.
Williams will have to be much better next week on Sunday Night Football against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, but Bears fans are surely thrilled with the opening win.
USC Retires Reggie Bush, Caleb Williams' Jersey Numbers; RB, QB Each Won Heisman
Sep 5, 2024
UNITED STATES - JANUARY 04: College Football: Rose Bowl, USC Reggie Bush (5) in action, rushing during BCS Championship game vs Texas, Pasadena, CA 1/4/2006 (Photo by John Biever/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X74782 TK1 R23)
Now, his No. 5 will be forever honored by his alma mater.
He isn't the only one, as it was revealed Thursday that USC's football program is retiring Bush's No. 5 and Caleb Williams' No. 13. Both players won the Heisman Trophy during their collegiate careers with the Trojans.
Bush was one of the most electrifying college football players in the sport's history and was known for his ability to leave defenders grasping at air with his speed and agility. His resume at USC included two Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year awards, two consecutive All-American selections, the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back and the 2005 Heisman.
He finished that season with 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground to go with 37 catches for 478 yards and two scores as a receiver.
The star running back was a major reason USC reached the national championship game, although it was unable to defend its title thanks to a loss to Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns.
However, part of Bush's story includes his post-college career, when the Heisman Trophy was stripped away after the NCAA determined he and his family were given money and other gifts. Yet he filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA and said he was never paid to play at USC.
There has also been plenty of support for Bush to receive his Heisman Trophy back in the current name, image and likeness era of college football where players have the opportunity to make money even during their playing days.
With that as the backdrop, the Heisman Trust officially reinstated his 2005 win in April.
Williams is also part of that Heisman legacy at USC, as he took home the coveted individual award in 2022 by completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 382 yards and 10 scores on the ground as a runner.
He was one win away from leading the Trojans to a Pac-12 title and the College Football Playoff but suffered a hamstring injury that limited him during a loss to Utah in the conference title game.
Williams returned the following season and was once again excellent while completing 68.6 percent of his passes for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions.
It was enough to convince the Chicago Bears to select him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and he will now look to become the dominant franchise quarterback the team has always been missing.
If he does, perhaps he can have his number retired in the NFL one day as well.
NFL Exec Questions Caleb Williams' 'Play Style' with Bears: 'It's So Off-Schedule'
Sep 5, 2024
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears jogs during warmups prior to a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
There is no shortage of optimism for the new era of Chicago Bears football entering the 2024 season in large part because of the presence of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, but one NFL executive raised some concern.
"I struggle with his play style because it's so off-schedule, and I don't think they are going to be very good up front," the executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic in a piece published Thursday. "If they can't run the ball and he can't operate on time and they have a lot of early down negatives, it becomes pure dropback on third down. But there are going to be some absolute moments of beauty off-schedule."
The offensive line is once again a concern for the Bears, just like it consistently was when Justin Fields was the quarterback. Fields was unable to become the long-term franchise quarterback in part because of the struggles around him, and the hope in Chicago is something similar doesn't play out with Williams.
Williams at least has more weapons, as the NFC North team is loaded with impact skill position players.
DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, among others, gives the rookie plenty of options when it comes to spreading the ball around, which raises the ceiling for a team looking to make a playoff push.
"Super talented quarterback," an executive said of the roster situation. "The time-to-throw will be interesting. I do expect guys to get open quickly with Keenan Allen's route running and what (Rome) Odunze brings. Everyone has been talking about their offense, but their defense could be better."
A formidable defense would be key for the Bears, especially early in the season. That would take some of the pressure off Williams and ideally put him in a position where he will not have to play off-schedule early in his career.
His first chance to live up to the hype will be Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Caleb Williams 'Extremely Grateful' to Be Named Bears Captain Ahead of Rookie Season
Sep 4, 2024
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears walks on the football field during warmups prior to a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Caleb Williams understands it's an honor to be named one of the captains of the Chicago Bears as a rookie.
"I'm extremely grateful," the quarterback said Wednesday, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I can't really think of how many rookies are captains, especially with a team so talented like this. With a lot of, I guess you can say vet guys.
"We're a pretty young team but we obviously have a good amount of vets on this team, so to be named a captain by my peers and colleagues, my teammates and my friends and brothers I'm extremely grateful, extremely happy and something I told them as soon as I got to be able to break it down or talk to them and things like that, so. You know, ready to go. Fired up. Extremely grateful and we're excited."
Chicago revealed its captains Monday, and Williams was joined by notable veterans such as DJ Moore, Jaylon Johnson and Tremaine Edmunds, among others:
Being named a captain indicates that Williams has already won the respect of his teammates in the locker room. But it also highlights just how high expectations will be for the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft in his first season.
The Bears have struggled to find a franchise quarterback throughout their existence and remain the only NFL team to never have a signal-caller throw for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a single season.
That Williams is talented enough to become the first to do both with a supporting cast of playmakers that could be among the NFL's best only elevates those expectations.
He will be throwing to Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett and D'Andre Swift this season, while a defense that closed the 2023 campaign out well brought back many of its key pieces. Chicago is eyeing the playoffs, but it will need its quarterback and captain to deliver.
Williams' journey toward doing exactly that starts Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Bears HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2024: Best Fan Tweets, Memes from Episode 5
Sep 4, 2024
CHICAGO, IN - AUGUST 17: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Upon the conclusion of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears," it's hard not to feel great about this team.
Yes, the Bears are 0-0. The true season doesn't start until Sunday at 1 p.m. when the team welcomes the Tennessee Titans into town.
But the good vibes have been rolling all preseason, which saw the Bears go 4-0. No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, looks ready for prime time. The Bears look like they're gelling on and off the field, as their chemistry clearly shows en route to the season opener.
Take, for example, this interaction between star cornerback Jaylon Johnson and rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze.
We'll see if this all translates to regular season success soon enough, but for now, the fifth and final episode of "Hard Knocks" showcased the team wrapping up the preseason and making cutdowns to the 53-man roster.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke about that difficulty.
GM Ryan Poles knows firsthand how difficult cut day can be.
Poles was centerstage Tuesday for multiple reasons, obviously. One of them was a very tough cut of defensive back Adrian Colbert, a well-traveled veteran who has overcome tragedy, adversity and tremendous obstacles in his life to become an NFL player.
Colbert didn't make the final 53, and it clearly ate up Poles.
What a moment from Ryan Poles. You can tell his character and his care for his players isn't an act.
Also, it's impossible not to root for Adrian Colbert.
— Khari D. Thompson (kdthompson5.bsky.social) (@kdthompson5) September 4, 2024
Watching Poles get upset over Colbert actually hit like a damn truck 😔
Adrian Colbert on #Bears GM Ryan Poles, “Ryan has been really awesome. Such a great guy, such a great leader, very present with his players in creating this environment where players are allowed to be themselves fully.” https://t.co/AgBBtyGuVw
Another was because the Bears got a trade offer on running back/wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who eventually made the team. Chicago didn't make a move, though.
On the last episode of Hard Knocks, a conversation between Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus centered on a team inquiring about Velus Jones Jr. via a trade. Isn’t clear what was being offered but Poles said that he would “never go below a fourth.”
It's pretty clear the team values him quite a bit.
The Bears were offered a draft pick for Velus Jones, but Poles said that he wouldn’t trade him for less than a 4th round pick. Chicago really values his versatility. #DaBears
Ultimately, it's been good vibes only for the Chicago Bears this preseason. Fans are pumped, to say the least.
That episode was amazing. Man did it give me goosebumps and make me emotional. I am so ready for this season. I really do believe something special is brewing #HardKnocks
Some #NFL fans were upset at the lack of drama with the #Bears on #HardKnocks, but what drama is there with this team? It’s year 3 for a roster that has been remade by Ryan Poles who values character and professionalism in his players. This group is focused winning and not drama.
#HardKnocks was a great season. The no swearing policy, seeing genuine compassion for injured players, the GM taking time to critique players that were cut. The franchise feels like it's righted the ship. It feels great to be a #Bears fan. It's time for sustained success.
#Hardknocks Greatest episode by far Many emotions and touched the heart Great series. Loved every moment every episode Offseason is over now Regular season up next baby!!!
Just finished #HardKnocks Been a long time since I’ve been so proud to be a @ChicagoBears fan. Loved seeing the realtionships the players, coaches and ownership created this summer. There is something special brewing in ChiTown! #BearDown
It's go time soon enough, as the Bears will kick off against the Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Bears' Caleb Williams Predicted as 2024 NFL ROY by Execs Ahead of Harrison Jr., Maye
Sep 3, 2024
CHICAGO, IN - AUGUST 17: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears rookie quarterback and 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is widely expected to live up to the projections that earned him his lofty draft status.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, a group of league executives and scouts predicted Williams would win the Rookie of the Year award this season. He received the same amount of votes as Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels but won the tiebreaker in the category. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also received votes.
Fowler noted that some voters valued Daniels' skills as "a calm pocket passer who can take off for easy yards." However, Williams having a more ideal situation in Chicago is what separated him from the 2024 No. 2 pick.
"Caleb has the better supporting cast right now, which should bring the best out of him," an NFC exec said. "And with Chicago's struggles offensively over the years, if he has any sort of success in Year 1, he'll get the sentimental vote."
Williams will have a bevy of weapons at his disposal in his rookie season, as the Bears have a talented crop of skill position players that will surely help his chances of winning Rookie of the Year.
Chicago signed star receiver D.J. Moore to a massive extension, acquired veteran wideout Keenan Allen and drafted talented prospect Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick to create one of the most dangerous pass-catching trios in the NFL. Add in tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift, and the Bears offense has the potential to make some real waves this season.
Meanwhile, Daniels has a top wide receiver on the outside in Terry McLaurin but not much behind him. Harrison also has lofty expectations as the Cardinals' presumptive No. 1 receiver despite being a rookie. Maye is set to start the year on the bench for the Patriots behind veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett.
It all creates a clear path for Williams to deliver on all predictions and claim the Rookie of the Year award by season's end.
Photo: Caleb Williams Only Rookie Among Bears Captains After Going No. 1 in NFL Draft
Sep 2, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 17: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Solider Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Caleb Williams is already establishing himself as a leader in the Chicago Bears' locker room.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was announced as one of eight captains for the Bears on Monday.
Williams joined Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, DJ Moore, Kevin Byard, Cole Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, and Marcedes Lewis as captains for Chicago's 2024 campaign. The signal-caller is the only rookie on the team to earn the honor.
The overall number of players represents an increase over Chicago's four captains in 2023, with Moore and Edmunds earning the title in consecutive seasons.
Williams endeared himself to his teammates throughout the preseason, showcasing the arm talent and off-script playmaking that helped him win the 2022 Heisman Trophy with the Trojans. In two appearances, he completed 50 percent of his throws for 170 yards.
He wasn't able to record a passing touchdown or an interception, although he scored on the ground during Chicago's 27-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 17.
"It's the fruits of his labor," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said in regards to Williams' preseason success, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "He's been working his tail off in practices and even before that, all through the summer. It's good to be able to say that hey, all this drill work, all the things I've been doing, it's paying off and I can see the improvements."
Williams will now attempt to help the Bears get off to a strong start in Week 1 against a Tennessee Titans team that allowed 227.4 passing yards per game in 2023.
Kickoff is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Video: Bears' Caleb Williams Talks Modeling His Game After Mahomes, Rodgers, Stafford
Aug 30, 2024
CHICAGO, IN - AUGUST 17: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams says he studied veteran NFL quarterbacks including New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers while preparing for his rookie 2024 season.
Williams now hopes to emulate the passing accuracy of Rodgers and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, as well as the mobility of the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, he told NFL on NBC's Maria Taylor.
"I think, over the years, I've watched a bunch of different QBs," Williams said (9:37 mark.) "And then I would try, throughout the years, I would try and go in trainings and things like that, whether it was a play fake, whether it was a certain throw... Aaron Rodgers put his body in a weird throwing position to complete the pass, and things like that.
"I would try those things, so I think there's a collective of people that, depending on the play, depending on the pass and things like that, I can resemble."
Williams went on to say that he had spent the most time watching Rodgers and Stafford in order to study their passing abilities.
"Those two guys can put the ball, place the ball anywhere they want, at any time," Williams said. "And so, watching those two guys being able to rip the ball... those two guys have played at a high level for the longest time."
Williams added: "Being able to move around, and get out of stuff, like in the recent years, I would say Pat and his elusiveness in the pocket and things like that."
This is not the first time Williams has described his goal of emulating Rodgers. The No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft also praised the Jets veteran quarterback Thursday when speaking to Matt Spiegel and Mark Grote on 670 The Score.
"From a young age, I've worked his out-of-pocket stuff, trying to be as accurate as possible is another," Williams said (6:45 mark.)
"And I would say another one is, I learned this at a young age, the more the ball spins, the easier it is for a wide receiver to catch it. I learned that from him. And so, always trying to make sure that the ball has a spiral, its spin rate is up."
Williams continued: "One of my favorite throws, I think, is his first start vs. the Vikings. He's kind of rolling that left and he throws it kind of falling back, I guess, and throws it over his head, in between two or three people, and completes it for a touchdown... just the miraculous things that he can do in games, in the pocket, out of the pocket, when he's getting pulled down.
"He's always been pretty special, so looking up to him as QB, and trying to practice things that he's done, or that I've seen, has been a part of my practice and trainings."
Bears fans will be watching to see if they can see any hint of vintage Rodgers in Williams' game when he makes his regular season NFL debut on Sept. 8 at home against the Tennessee Titans.
Caleb Williams Voted to Have Best NFL Career over Daniels, McCarthy, Rookie QB Class
Aug 27, 2024
CHICAGO, IN - AUGUST 17: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, at Soldier Field on August 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams received the most votes from a poll of current NFL players asking the question: "Which rookie QB will have the most successful career?"
A poll of 103 NFL players from 25 teams conducted by ESPN's NFL Nation had Williams getting 34 votes. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (30) and Minnesota Vikings' signal-caller JJ McCarthy (10) rounded out the top three. The Atlanta Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. and Denver Broncos' Bo Nix tied for fourth at eight votes apiece.
It's no surprise that Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, is the clubhouse leader given his resume.
"His ceiling is probably the highest, but you've just got to get in the right situation," an NFC West player told ESPN when picking Williams.
"It's Caleb [with the most promising future], if the Bears figure out what they have," an AFC West player added.
Williams fared well in his two preseason games. His first effort resulted in 95 passing yards on 4-of-7 passing in addition to 13 rushing yards in a 33-6 road win over the Buffalo Bills.
Williams officially begins his NFL career on Sunday, Sept. 8 at home against the Tennessee Titans.
The NFL Nation poll featured a host of questions, including a ranking of the top quarterbacks and the most underrated quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes received the former honor, while the San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy and the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford tied for the latte.
