Caleb Williams Struggles in NFL Debut, but Bears Defense and Special Teams Secure Win Over Titans

• Caleb Williams had a tough start in his first NFL game as Chicago Bears’ quarterback, finishing with 92 passing yards and no touchdowns.
• Despite offensive struggles, the Bears overcame a 17-3 halftime deficit with key plays from their defense and special teams.
• Chicago’s comeback was fueled by a blocked punt return for a touchdown and a game-changing pick-6 interception by the defense.
• The Bears clinched a 24-17 victory over the Titans, with Williams and the offense now looking ahead to Week 2 for improvement.

Caleb Williams may not have envisioned such a rocky start to his NFL career, but the rookie quarterback will gladly take the win. In his highly anticipated debut as the Bears’ starting quarterback, Williams struggled to find a rhythm. Still, Chicago’s defense and special teams stepped up in a big way, leading the team to a 24-17 comeback victory over the Tennessee Titans.

The game got off to a rough start for Williams and the Bears offense. By halftime, they trailed 17-3 after failing to move the ball effectively, as Williams completed just 14 of 29 passes for 92 yards with no touchdowns. However, the second half told a different story, with Chicago relying on its defense and special teams to turn the game around.

Early in the third quarter, the Bears’ special teams provided a much-needed spark. After forcing a Titans punt, defensive lineman Daniel Hardy blocked Ryan Stonehouse’s punt and safety Jonathan Owens scooped it up and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-10. The momentum carried over to the defense, which continued to stifle Tennessee’s offense.

The turning point came when Titans quarterback Will Levis, under pressure from a Bears blitz, threw a desperate pass that Chicago cornerback Tyrique Stevenson intercepted. Stevenson returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 24-17 lead after a successful two-point conversion.

Chicago’s defense sealed the game in the closing minutes, as Jaylon Johnson intercepted Levis’ final attempt to rally the Titans. Despite managing just 148 total yards of offense and converting only 2-of-13 third-down attempts, the Bears’ defense and special teams they were ensured that Williams’ debut ended on a high note.

Williams, selected first overall in April’s NFL Draft, now has a week to regroup as the Bears prepare for a Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans. While the offense has work to do, the rookie quarterback can take comfort in knowing that he has a defense capable of keeping the team in games, even when the offense struggles.