Wrapping Up: Evaluating the Bears players and coaches in their win over the Titans
Defense line: A
On a day when the offense was weak, the line led a tremendous effort to keep the Bears in the game and give them the lead. DeMarcus Walker had four quarterback hits, including a near sack that forced Titans quarterback Will Levis to do a desperation flip that cornerback Tyrique Stevenson intercepted and returned 43 yards for a touchdown to give the Bears a 24-17 lead. Darrell Taylor had two sacks, including a strip sack of Levis that linebacker TJ Edwards recovered, leading to a fourth-quarter field goal. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter had a sack that forced a punt and two quarterback hits. Andrew Billings added a tackle for loss of yardage and two quarterback hits.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B
Velus Jones botched his first kickoff return of the season, leading to a turnover and a field goal that put the Bears behind 10-0. But it was a rare mishap. Daniel Hardy’s blocked punt and Jonathan Owens’ 21-yard return for a touchdown started the comeback. Cairo Santos was 3 of 3 on field goals — from 50, 48 and 24 yards. DeAndre Carter had punt returns of 20 and 16 yards. Rookie Tory Taylor had three of his four punts inside the 20.
CALEB WILLIAMS: D
Rookie Caleb Williams (14 of 29, 93 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 55.7) wasn’t expected to shine in his NFL debut, but he was impressive enough in training camp and the preseason to expect more, even with poor defense. Williams’ longest pass was 13 yards to DJ Moore. He seems to have better luck. Justin Fields was 1-6 with a rating of 55.7 or less. Williams is already 1-0.
SHANE WALDRON: D
The offense was arguably the bigger disappointment in Williams’ debut. Williams had few open receivers to throw to, although the swing pass to DeAndre Swift for a two-point conversion was an impressive exception. The Bears gained just 148 yards on 53 plays, or 2.8 yards per play.
OFFENSIVE LINE: D
Center Coleman Shelton would never again stand out as much as he did in his Bears debut. Shelton was beaten badly in the first quarter, which led to a 19-yard sack by Williams. He was beaten again in the second quarter, but Williams was able to break free for a positive play. Nate Davis and Ryan Bates took turns on the right side. Overall, the line still has a lot of work to do.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus was unsure of his status as the team prepared to visit the Texans.
The Caleb Williams era began with the defense and special teams having to mobilize their forces.
Some fans felt that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did not live up to preseason expectations. After trailing for three quarters, the Bears’ defense and special teams helped them to a 24-17 victory.
