Caleb Williams vs. Bengals: How Bears No. 1 pick fared in second NFL test

Colin Keane

Caleb Williams vs. Bengals: How Bears No. 1 pick fared in second NFL test image

The Chicago Bears offense began their preseason game versus the Cincinnati Bengals with three consecutive three-and-outs, and the mood was low.

Soon after, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a handful of dynamic plays that will once again have Chicago abuzz with excitement about the new-look Bears.

Williams finished the day 6-for-13 for 75 yards passing and a rushing touchdown.

After a Rome Odunze 16-yard end-around play got the Bears offense going on drive number four, Williams drew a pass interference call on a 43-yard pass to Tyler Scott.

From there, Williams got swallowed up in the pocket for a sack but then completed his next two passes, setting up a Chicago field goal with 9:08 left in the second quarter.

Williams's fifth and final drive of the day was by far the most impressive. Williams and the Bears offense covered 90 yards over 8 plays and 3:19 minutes of game clock, culminating in a seven-yard rushing TD from Williams that developed from scrambling out of the pocket.

The highlight of the drive and game for Williams was a 45-yard laser to Rome Odunze for the pair's first big connection of the season, which set up the aforementioned touchdown.

Overall, it was a far from perfect performance from Williams in his Soldier Field debut, but he made a few huge plays that will surely keep the hype machine humming heading into next week.

More NFL: Bears surprisingly outbid by Falcons for Patriots four-time Pro Bowler

Colin Keane

Colin Keane Photo

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for The Sporting News. Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.