Caleb Williams struggles in debut as Bears edge Titans 24-17
- Caleb Williams struggled in his debut, completing 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards.
- The Bears' defense, particularly Tyrique Stevenson, made key plays to secure the win.
- Chicago's victory marked a significant achievement for Williams as the first No. 1 overall pick to win his debut since 2002.
Caleb Williams made his debut for the Chicago Bears on Sunday, facing off against the Tennessee Titans. Despite a challenging start, where the Bears fell behind 17-0 in the first half, the team rallied to secure a 24-17 victory. Williams, the first overall pick in the draft, struggled with his performance, completing 14 of 29 passes for just 93 yards and a passer rating of 55.7. This marked a significant moment as he became the first quarterback drafted first overall to win his debut since 2002. The Bears' defense played a crucial role in the comeback, highlighted by Tyrique Stevenson’s interception return for a touchdown, which shifted the momentum in favor of Chicago. The Bears had previously narrowed the score to 17-16 with a field goal from Cairo Santos before Stevenson’s pivotal play. Additionally, Jonathan Owens contributed to the Bears' scoring with a 21-yard return after blocking a punt, further energizing the crowd. Tennessee's offense, led by quarterback Will Levis, struggled against the Bears' defense, with Levis throwing for 127 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Titans' Tony Pollard managed to score a touchdown but left the game with an injury, adding to the team's woes. With this victory, the Bears aim to improve their chances for a playoff spot after a disappointing previous two seasons. The win also spoiled the debut of Titans' coach Brian Callahan, leaving both teams with much to reflect on as they prepare for their upcoming games.