These 5 Bears earned a game ball in preseason win over Bills

Chicago’s first “real” preseason game of the 2024 season is in the books. Despite a slow start, the touchdowns came in spades in the second half, fueling the Bears to a 33-6 victory.

There were a few Bears players who shined in the win. Here are our game balls.

Caleb Williams, QB

It all starts with the first overall pick. In his NFL debut, Williams showed off all the traits that made him a generational prospect: poise under pressure, navigating the pocket like a pro, throwing lasers from the pocket, and making magic happen when the play breaks down, including this unreal pass on the run.

.@CALEBcsw with a dart to @ColeKmet ?

: FOX pic.twitter.com/BDsZNDhLai

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 10, 2024

Or this quick flip to the running back, a play that reminds us a lot of a certain quarterback in Kansas City.

.@DAndreSwift goes for 42yds

: FOX pic.twitter.com/ASlD1bVJmf

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 10, 2024

It’s just preseason, but it sure looks like the Bears have their franchise quarterback.

Ian Wheeler, RB

I always thought the running back from Howard was a sneaky good addition, and he flashed some tremendous upside on Saturday, toting the rock five times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.

Ian Wheeler (1)*
Chicago Bears
7 yards pic.twitter.com/E4cwG38NJx

— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) August 10, 2024

Given all the talented running backs ahead of Wheeler, it’ll be tough for him to make the roster, but he put his best foot forward on Saturday.

Austin Booker, Edge

Booker is something of an X-factor for the Bears this year. If he can show upside as a dependable pass rusher, it’ll be a huge win for Chicago. Early returns are promising, as he racked up 2.5 sacks and five total tackles against the Bills.

The edge from Kansas earned this game ball.

Tory Taylor, P

Amazingly, the rookie punter Tory Taylor is probably second only to Caleb Williams in terms of hype from Bears fans, and he did not disappoint in his debut. He only punted twice, and both landed inside Buffalo’s ten-yard one, though one was returned out to around the 25-yard line. Still, he showed the same fantastic punting that reporters have seen in training camp.

Tory Taylor perfectly placed 48 yard punt.
Yes preseason punt content!pic.twitter.com/3UVTwhPRIE

— ? ?? ?? ? (@_MarcusD3_) August 10, 2024

Velus Jones Jr., RB

The last game ball goes to embattled veteran Velus Jones Jr. His hold on a roster spot is tenuous at best, but perhaps his move to running back will save him. He carried the ball six times for 34 yards and a touchdown. He’s been working hard, and it shows. It wasn’t a perfect outing for him, however, with some questionable ball handling and another blunder on special teams. Still, he looks like he has a chance to stick around at running back.