Caleb Williams’ first game with Ben Johnson offered a lot more than a box score spike. Yes, the Chicago Bears hung 59 points on the Carolina Panthers, and that kind of explosion usually starts with the quarterback. But Williams didn’t just benefit from the ride - he looked like a major reason the offense can keep doing this.
The clearest sign was the quality of his throws. Williams posted a 6.5% big-time throw rate, according to PFF, while keeping his turnover-worthy throw rate at 2.5%.
That’s a meaningful step from last year, when he finished at 5.4% and 3.1%, respectively. He had only five games as a rookie with a better big-time throw rate, which is a good reminder that this wasn’t simply the scheme carrying him.
Williams was driving plenty of the chunk plays himself.
He also pushed the ball farther downfield. Williams’ average depth of target climbed from 8.1 in his rookie season to 9.2 in his first year with Ben Johnson, then jumped again to 10.7 in Week 1.
His deep passing attempt rate was up 3% from the year before, and last season he had only four games with a higher depth of target. The production matched the aggression, too: his 9.3 yards per attempt would have been the second-best game of his year in 2025.
The run game added another layer. Williams has always had some juice as a runner, but Week 1 showed him using it in a way he hadn’t before.
He finished with 10 carries for 65 yards, his highest rushing total since Johnson arrived and the second-highest of his NFL career. His seven scrambles were a career high, and the performance included the fourth and fifth rushing touchdowns of his career.
He was already becoming a difficult quarterback to handle from the pocket. If this kind of rushing threat sticks, he gets a lot more dangerous.
There was also real progress when pressure got into the picture. Williams’ pressure-to-sack rate came in at 12.9%, which wasn’t flawless but still sat well below his career mark of 18.3%.
And he was much more efficient when the rush got home. After averaging 5.6 yards per attempt under pressure last year, he averaged 12 yards per attempt in those situations in Week 1.
For one game, at least, Williams checked every box that matters: more explosive throws, more downfield aggression, more production with his legs, and better answers when the pocket got messy. That’s the kind of opener that makes people believe the breakout might not be a one-week story.
In Other News...
Bears Week 2 Just Got Complicated By Minnesota's Quarterback Situation
Minnesotas Week 1 win over Green Bay already changed the early feel of the NFC North race, and it may have done so again for Chicago. The Vikings rallied behind backup quarterback Carson Wentz after starter Kyler Murray left with a concussion, leaving the Bears to prepare for a Week 2 opponent whose plan under center is suddenly less settled than it looked a few days ago.
Murray is still in concussion protocol and considered day-to-day, which means Chicago could be dealing with either Wentzs pocket-passing style or Murrays more mobile, higher-variance game. For the Bears, the difference matters: Wentz brings a steadier throw-from-the-pocket profile, while Murrays legs can change how a defense has to chase the game, even if his recent performance has raised questions. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Suddenly Have A Week 2 Problem Up Front
The Bears offensive line is suddenly worth watching closely heading into Week 2, and the biggest name on Thursdays injury report was right tackle Darnell Wright. He did not practice because of a knee injury, a development that matters for a unit trying to settle in early and keep Chicagos offense on schedule as the next game approaches.
Neville Gallimore also missed practice because of illness, while Grady Jarrett was held out for rest, and six other players were listed as limited. None of it is unusual for this point in the week on its own, but the accumulation of bumps and status checks gives Chicago a few things to sort through before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Defense Suddenly Has A Carson Wentz Problem
Sundays win over the Panthers gave the Bears a clean start in the standings, but it did not exactly quiet the questions around Dennis Allens defense. Chicago gave up plenty of yardage and points in that opener, the kind of performance that can be masked for a week but not ignored for long when a tougher divisional test is next on the schedule.
Carson Wentzs Week 1 showing for Minnesota only sharpens the concern. With Kyler Murray out, Wentz stepped in against Green Bay and threw three touchdowns, giving the Vikings an early jolt and a reminder that their offense can punish a defense that is out of sync. For Chicago, the timing is less than ideal, because the next matchup now looks like a test of whether the Bears defense can tighten up before a quarterback change turns into a bigger problem. [Read more 🡒]