The Chicago Bears’ offseason hype, including high expectations for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, quickly fell apart in Week 1. With lackluster statistics — a 48.3% passing completion for just 93 yards and no touchdowns — Williams underperformed in his debut. Packers fans are enjoying the irony, especially after Williams jokingly texted the newly drafted punter that he wouldn’t be needed much, only to see him punt six times in the game. Despite a win, the Bears’ offense contributed minimally, relying on its defense and special teams to provide the scoring. The upcoming game against C.J. Stroud’s Houston Texans now poses significant pressure for the Bears and their rookie quarterback.

In figures

• Caleb Williams completed just 48.3% of his passes, totaling 93 yards and no touchdowns.
• The Bears’ offense managed just 148 yards and scored 9 points, all on field goals.
• Punter Tory Taylor punted 6 times, averaging 45.0 yards per punt, with 3 of those landing inside the 20-yard line.

Yes, but

While the Bears secured a win, the lack of offensive output raises questions about their ability to sustain success. Critics argue that relying heavily on defense and special teams could limit the team’s overall potential, especially if Williams doesn’t adapt quickly.

State of affairs

• The Bears will open Week 2 with a game against the Houston Texans, which is seen as a crucial game for their confidence.
• The pressure is mounting as a turnaround in Williams’ performance is expected.

What’s next?

As the Bears prepare for a primetime matchup, improvements in offensive strategy and execution are crucial. Expectations will be high for both Williams and the team to deliver a more cohesive performance against the Texans.

Conclusion

Packers fans are laughing at the Bears’ missteps, but the real question is whether the Bears can recover from these early issues. The urgency for the team to gel and for Williams to rise to the occasion has never been clearer.