The coming out party for Caleb Williams continued on Sunday as the 2024 overall #1 pick threw for four touchdowns during the Bears’ 35-16 demolishing of the Jacksonville Jaguars in London today. Since the Bears were designated as the home team, today’s win marks the ninth straight “home” win for the Bears. They looked dominant on both sides and won a game over a subpar team in convincing fashion.
The game did get off to a slow start for the Bears as the offense quickly went three & out and the Jaguars responded with a 14 play, 8+ minute drive to set themselves up for a TD. The Bears defense would stiffen and force the Jags to settle for 3. The Bears took over and found the endzone in the 2nd quarter when Caleb Williams found Cole Kmet down the middle for a 31-yd TD catch & run. From that point on, the Bears dominated the Jaguars on both sides, kept applying pressure and by the time the game got to the midway point in the 3rd quarter the Jaguars would be staring down a 21-3 deficit.
The Jaguars tried hurrying up their offense to get back into the game due to the mounting injuries in the Bears defensive backfield but the Bears countered with their own offensive prowess led by Caleb Williams and D’Andre Swift. Swift had another great all around game with 17 rushes, 91 yards & 1 TD while adding another 4 catches for 28 yards. The star of the show today was of course Caleb Williams as he finished 23 for 29, 226 yards & 4 TDs while adding 4 rushes for 56 yards. His only real blemish was an interception where he underthrew a wide open DJ Moore. Williams bounced back from that INT by marching the Bears down the field on their very next offensive series for a TD. That’s how leaders react to adversity.
Top Stars of the Game:
- Caleb Williams, Bears: 23 for 29, 226 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT; 4 rushes for 56 yards
- D’Andre Swift, Bears: 17 rushes, 91 yards, 1 TD; 4 catches, 28 yards
- Cole Kmet, Bears: 5 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs
- Evan Engram, Jaguars: 10 catches, 102 yards
- TJ Edwards, Bears: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Demarcus Walker, Bears: 4 tackles, 2 QB hits, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Grading The Bears:
Offense: After the first two drives netted only 7 yards, the offense kicked into gear and put this game away early. The offense picked up 22 first downs and three TD drives of 70 yards or more. Outside of the INT Caleb Williams threw in the 2nd quarter he looked spectacular today. Williams found 7 different receivers while the team rushed for 152 yards on 5.2 yards per rush. He looked like a bonafide star on the field today. This marks the 2nd straight week the Bears have scored 35 or more points. Grade: A-
Defense: While the defense didn’t create consistent pressure up front they made it count when they did. The team totaled 4 sacks and 8 QB hits along with 4 TFLs, 6 pass deflections, 1 FF, 1 fumble recovery and an INT. TJ Edwards was all over the field today. Before getting hurt Kyler Gordon was also having a really good game. The Bears defense didn’t give up a 1st down for nearly 2 quarters. The defense held the Jaguars’ run game to just 68 yards. Grade: A
Special Teams: Tory Taylor only needed to punt twice. He averaged 61.5 yards per kick. Cairo Santos missed his only FG attempt though he made 5 XP tries. The special teams coverage had some concerns as they allowed 31.3 yards per kick return. Cole Kmet added to his duties by being the emergency long snapper due to injury. Grade: B-
Coaching: Not much went wrong today with the game plan. The coaching always looks good when the players go out and make quick work of the opponents. Not much was needed in terms of adjustments. The only concern for the coaching staff was making sure none of the players left with serious injuries. Grade: A-
What’s Next:
The Bears now take their 3-game win streak into the bye week before their showdown on the road with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Daniels and Caleb Williams are two of the front runners for Rookie of the Year so this looks to be a high profile game for the Bears. Hopefully the team can get Jaquan Brisker, Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon back healthy in time for that game. DJ Moore also looked to be a bit banged up but it’s not believed to be serious.
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