Caleb Williams and the majority of the Chicago Bears starters received what could be their most extensive work of the preseason Saturday in a 27-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Williams and the Bears first-team offense played the entire first half, bouncing back from a slow start against Bengals backups to put up 10 points. Bears coach Matt Eberflus said afterward his staff would review film Sunday to determine whether they will play any of their starters against the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale Thursday.
Whether Saturday was the last preseason appearance for the starters or not, there were plenty of moments to draw from as the Bears get ready for the next time they play at Soldier Field — Sept. 8 in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Here’s a look at five of the moments that mattered Saturday.
Social media was abuzz Saturday afternoon with exclamations about Williams’ longest play of the day , a 45-yard pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze on the Bears’ first touchdown drive. Williams spun away from pressure to his left, took about seven steps while looking downfield and then ripped a throw to Odunze while leaping into the air. The throw fell right in front of Odunze to catch in front of cornerback Josh Newton, bringing the Bears to the 7-yard line.
When Williams was asked how he is able to get power and accuracy on such an off-balance, cross-body throw, he apologized first to Bears nation for what he was about to say about.