CHICAGO (670 The Score) — The Bears set up for their opening drive at their own the 8-yard line after a mishandled kickoff return in preseason action against the Bills on Sunday evening, but it wasn’t a setback for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and his unit.
Williams and the Bears’ starting offense shined on their first drive, marching 92 yards for a touchdown. Williams was 5-of-6 for 97 yards on the opening drive, capping it with a 36-yard touchdown pass to receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
The Bears’ starting offense played just two series against the Bills in the 38-0 win at Soldier Field. Chicago's starters sat out the preseason opener against Miami the week prior.
The Bears picked up one first down before punting on their second drive, on which Williams was 1-for-4 with a 10-yard completion to receiver DJ Moore for that first down.
Williams finished 6-of-10 for 107 yards and the touchdown. It continued a trend of progress for him.
"He has really been locked in," Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. "Any time you're a young player, there's usually a couple steps forward and one step back. And that's really been the story of his training camp.
"He and I have been really open and honest about that as we've gone through. He's had some really good practices and he's had some where it's like, 'That's not good enough, bud.' So, I thought really the three days of practice we had this week and this game were the most he's stacked up good days in a row right now. The challenge is going to be keep pushing in that direction."
Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent stepped in for Williams in the first quarter. He went 13-of-22 for 196 yards and a touchdown. Reserve quarterback Austin Reed was 6-of-7 for 66 yards. Veteran backup Case Keenum (leg) didn't play.
The Bills didn't play their offensive starters Sunday, including reigning MVP quarterback Josh Allen. Buffalo’s defense featured just one starter playing.
The Bears conclude their preseason at the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday evening. It isn't yet clear whether Williams and the starters will play.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.