The Chicago Bears have found good footing with a rookie quarterback drafted first overall.
That could be another harsh reminder for the Carolina Panthers, who weren’t able to benefit from an overall No. 1 draft pick a year ago, when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
Caleb Williams is running the show for the Bears (2-2) fresh off a stellar college career during which he won the Heisman Award in 2022. Williams has given his teammates confidence in the way he has gone about his first month in the NFL.
“He’s doing a good job of just kind of taking what the defense is giving him,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “Having that awareness and knowing when to be aggressive.”
Williams, who has thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions thus far, said he has developed a better comfort level along with what he has described as regular learning moments. He’s not surprised that the Bears have experienced success after a tough start.
“We expected it and wanted it to happen faster, but that’s the process we’re in,” said Williams, who posted a 106.6 passer rating in last Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams (his first triple-digit rating as a pro). “When we get going, just finding that flow, keeping that flow.”
Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said Williams is displaying more patience and is willing to take shorter yardage pickups. For Carolina coach Dave Canales, it’s clear that Williams has been adjusting as it relates to Chicago’s offense.
“It takes time to figure out your identity and they’re working toward that,” Canales said. “They obviously have some skilled players and talent around him.”
The Bears are feeling good after improving to 2-0 at home following the win over the Rams.
The Panthers (1-3), on the other hand, are trying to bounce back from a 34-24 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. Even with that, however, they seemed to gain positive vibes behind quarterback Andy Dalton, who replaced Bryce Young as Carolina’s starter.
Young was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, but he didn’t generate the early success that has come for Williams. He was benched after two games this season.
Among Williams’ top targets is receiver DJ Moore, who’s in his second season with the Bears after five years with Carolina.
Dalton, a former starter with the Bengals, has thrown five touchdowns across the past two games. The Bears have noticed.
“They’re a team that is up and rising since he has taken over,” Kmet said. “It will be a good challenge for our defense.”
Canales praised the 14-year veteran Dalton’s approach.
“We’ve asked him to hit the first open guy, and he has done that well,” Canales said.
The Panthers also are benefiting from regular production from running back Chuba Hubbard, the first Carolina player with back-to-back games of 120 or more yards from scrimmage since Christian McCaffrey in 2021.
The Bears have been stingy on defense. When the Rams gained 322 yards of offense and racked up 21 first downs, those were the most allowed by Chicago in both categories this season.
“Everyone on our side of the ball is continuing to gel and we know what we’re trying to do defensively,” cornerback Jaylon Johnson said.
The Panthers have more questions on defense with the loss of veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, who is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, nor did No. 1 wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle).
Left guard Damien Lewis (elbow), right guard Robert Hunt (hip), linebacker Charles Harris (shoulder), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot), and safety Nick Scott (shoulder) were all limited on Wednesday.
Carolina on Tuesday signed linebacker Chandler Wooten, who has previously played in 17 games for the Panthers.
For the Bears, offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ribs), defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (groin) and cornerback Terrell Smith (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. Kmet (knee) and defensive end Montez Sweat (ankle) were limited.
This is the second straight year that the Panthers visit Chicago, where they lost 16-13 last season. The Bears lead the series 8-3.
–Field Level Media
