Caleb Williams struggles in NFL debut, draws major criticism despite Bears’ win

Caleb Williams started out his NFL career with a win as the Chicago Bears scored the game’s final 24 points in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.

The Bears showed their resilience in erasing a 17-0 1st-half deficit, but Williams having a quiet day: 14-of-29, 93 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He also added 5 carries for 15 yards. Thanks in part to some timely defense, though, including a 45-yard pick-6 by Tyrique Stevenson that gave the Bears the lead for good, Chicago’s rookie quarterback walked off the field a winner in his first-ever regular-season game.

Bears fans have high expectations for Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago hasn’t had a winning season since 2018 and has missed the playoffs in 3 straight seasons. And while the Bears picked up a win in Week 1, Williams struggled in major fashion. Fans will hope it’s not a sign of things to come.

The Bears will visit the Houston Texans in Week 2, a Sunday night game. As for Williams, social media had plenty of reaction to his outing. Take a look below:

QB Caleb Williams line vs Titans had nothing to do with Bears victory…D & ST is the reason for the win…14/29-93yds 55.7 QB rating…Bears spent a ton of money in FA & trades to upgrade the Offense…This is the NFL, not college…No easy victims here

— Robin Hood (@RobinHood816) September 8, 2024

Caleb Williams might go down as the biggest bust of this generation

— RickyRick (@_RealRickyRick) September 8, 2024

Caleb Williams winning his first game as a Chicago Bear pic.twitter.com/xgLdxrsHll

— strallweat (@strallweat) September 8, 2024

https://twitter.com/IhmirBurn/status/1832877995607924806

Caleb Williams was the 4th best USC QB to play this weekend.

— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) September 8, 2024

https://twitter.com/chiefs_Alpha/status/1832877903836569927

Chicago Bears better be ready to make Lincoln Riley the highest paid coach in NFL history if this offense puts up another game with less than 100 yards passing. Caleb Williams looked like Rex Grossman today

— Black Ditka (@LostHebrew_Dre) September 8, 2024

https://twitter.com/ChevySmile/status/1832877853878198305

Caleb Williams in his NFL debut: pic.twitter.com/Njh7Jxi5Jt

— Jordan Love #1 Fan (@JordanLoveIsQB1) September 8, 2024

Caleb Williams isn’t good

— Woody (@jwoody4924) September 8, 2024

https://twitter.com/HitItFromTheDak/status/1832877572474229093

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.