4 takeaways from Caleb Williams’ 2025 preseason debut

The nonsensical noise surrounding Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has gotten out of control over the last few weeks. Big media personalities like Colin Cowherd have sparked the preemptive “Caleb Williams is a bust” conversation, a narrative that Bears fans know is simply ridiculous.

But those same Bears fans know that the only way the narrative will go away is if Williams has the kind of performance that can silence it.

And while it was only Week 2 of the 2025 preseason, Williams did just that. He announced his arrival in new head coach Ben Johnson’s offense.

The Bears demolished the Buffalo Bills, 38-0.

Here are four takeaways from Williams’ big night.

Caleb Williams looked confident

Williams looked like a different quarterback in the pocket on Sunday night against the Bills. Maybe it’s because we aren’t used to seeing Williams with functional pass protection. But there’s no doubt that his confidence and processing were as good as they’ve been since the Bears selected him with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ben Johnson played to Caleb Williams’ strengths

Williams finished Week 2’s game completing six of 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in an offense that looked so natural for him. It featured quick reads, crossing routes, and throws that allowed Williams to uncork his arm strength. Most importantly, Williams looked like he understood the method behind Ben Johnson’s madness. It was as if they had been paired together for years.

Williams will make good use of his tight ends

It’s pretty obvious that Johnson’s offense plans to take advantage of both Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet’s talents. The combo earned three of Williams’ 10 targets, and all three resulted in completions for 55 yards. The big-bodied Loveland and Kmet served as ideal targets for Williams’ intermediate and downfield throws, as both passes sailed a bit high. Williams’ confidence in his tight ends will continue to grow, as will their number of opportunities.

Offensive line improvements are a game-changer

It’s been a long time since a Chicago Bears fan could say they’re confident in the offensive line. But that’s about to change in 2025. It was odd seeing Caleb Williams have time to scan the field and deliver a seed. A clean pocket? What a concept! And that’s exactly what the Bears’ upgraded line proved it will give the second-year QB in 2025. Consider this: The line looked that good, and Joe Thuney wasn’t even playing. Yeah, this group can be really special.

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