Caleb Williams and the Bears starters trotted onto Soldier Field for the first time in the Ben Johnson era Sunday Night in preseason Week 2. With mixed reports coming out of training camp regarding the second year quarterback’s difficulties in learning the new offense, fans were eager to see what the unit could muster up in its first lick of action. Although the Bills likely utilized zero defensive starters during the contest, the way that Johnson’s team performed was impressive to say the least. Chicago’s starters looked great in their limited action and the backups kept their feet on the gas pedal, propelling Chicago to a 38-0 trouncing of the visiting Bills, one that Buffalo coach Sean McDermott admitted was “certainly was not up to our standard” and “concerning” from his point of view.
Starters Looked Fantastic
The Bears starters looked great out there. After Tyler Scott (who I would be surprised to ever see return a kick again under Ben Johnson) botched the kickoff and gave the offense a 93 yard field, the unit proceeded to march right into the endzone in under 4 minutes of game time. The first play, a boot to rookie tight end Colston Loveland, could be analyzed as a message to the league (and perhaps fantasy managers) that the 1st round draft pick is going to be an integral piece of this group in 2025. An additional catch, this one an impressive high point for 19 yards, only further proved this.
The next play also excited me. Williams scanned the look that Buffalo’s defense was showing, didn’t like it, and proceeded to can the play and check to something else. After hiking the ball, he ripped it to TE Cole Kmet for 18 yards, who was wide open up the seam in Buffalo’s two-high-safety look that left the deep middle of the field exposed. Great QBs not only have physical talent, but the ability to read defenses. Williams demonstrated this beautifully in this rep.
Others who deserve some shine include newly acquired veteran wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., and second-year defensive end Austin Booker. Although the addition of Zaccheaus (known as “OZ”) in the offseason didn’t spark much excitement, the WR has made the most of his new opportunity and reportedly excelled throughout training camp. His impressive 36 yard touchdown grab this week suggests that he may be in store for a renaasaince season.
Dexter Sr. kicked off the first defensive stand with an immediate tackle-for-loss which set the tone for the entire game. The defensive line is the weakest position group on the team, so any player stepping up would be exciting. This is why Dexter Sr. and Austin Booker’s performances were so encouraging. Booker looked like a monster this week and last week, racking up 3 sacks in preseason Week 1 and another in Week 2 along with a few ridiculous reps against Buffalo’s backup left tackle.
Lastly, 2nd round wide receiver Luther Burden III played very well. He racked up 49 yards on only 3 catches in addition to two fantastic, physical crack blocks on seperate rushing touchdowns. He also flashed a sick juke move that looked straight out of a video game. The Bears have weapons on offense.
Ben Johnson Effect?
While the starters played very well, it should be noted that the backups did as well. This begs the question: is it all just coaching? May this simply be the Ben Johnson effect?
Throughout the entire game, everything ran ultra smoothly. At halftime, Chicago led in total yards 371-47, first downs 20-3, and time of possession 21 minutes-9 minutes. It was utter domination.
Players were running wide open. All three quarterbacks played very well and demonstrated fantastic demeanors and confidence. They appeared to know what the goal of each play was, what to do, who to watch, etc. I believe that Johnson has created this lack of discrepancy, which enables his players to play with more confidence which ultimately leads them to play better and more freely. Hopefully, there is much more similar play to come in the regular season!