CHICAGO (670 The Score) — Well, that was different.
The Bears bounced back from an 0-2 start with a 31-14 win over the Cowboys on Sunday at Soldier Field, marking head coach Ben Johnson's first victory with Chicago.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes in a breakthrough performance, while Chicago’s defense forced four turnovers. Here are observations from the day.
Right response, measured tone
The Bears have dealt with turmoil for years, which is what led to Johnson's hiring in January.
The Bears sorely needed a culture shift. They now have a head coach in Johnson whose constant intensity sets a tone. And after an 0-2 start to the season, his team went to work.
The Bears had an intense practice Wednesday at Halas Hall, the type of full-contact, high-energy work that’s usually reserved for training camp. Johnson challenged his players’ practice habits, then put them through a test to see who would answer the call.
The Bears had a collective response in producing a win Sunday, and it was fitting that the dagger came in the form of them dictating the action on a long touchdown drive. In the third quarter, the Bears marched 76 yards in 19 plays – calling 11 consecutive runs at one point – and converted on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line when Williams found receiver DJ Moore in the back of the end zone.
The Bears’ lead was 24-14 at the time the drive started with 10:03 remaining in the third quarter. Just 13 days after blowing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Vikings, the Bears finished this game on their own terms with a drive that consumed 9:54 of game time. They took a 31-14 lead and left the Cowboys with little chance of making a comeback.
“We’re built for things like that,” right guard Jonah Jackson said.
Williams was 19-of-28 for 298 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. It was a masterful performance that showcased the type of growth in Williams that Johnson envisioned. It was a much-needed performance for Williams and a much-needed win for the entire team after a 31-point loss in Detroit the week prior.
In the victorious locker room at Soldier Field, the Bears celebrated like any team should. Williams passed a game ball to Johnson to commemorate his first victory as an NFL head coach, but the excitement was also tempered a bit.
"We didn't win a Super Bowl,” veteran safety Kevin Byard said. “At the end of the day, we just got to make sure we're continuing trying to stack wins, playing together as a team. It's a long year. This is how a locker room is supposed to feel, but at the end of the day, we got to act like we've been here before. We got to expect wins."
Williams shines
The Cowboys' poor defense shouldn't take away from Williams' big day.
Williams' success is a reflection of the plan that Johnson had for him. The Bears challenged the 23-year-old Williams early in training camp, putting the entire inventory of their offense at his disposal and deliberately overwhelming him with a steep learning curve. Their belief was that Williams would emerge for the better.
In three games, Williams has thrown for 715 yards (238.3 yards per game), seven touchdowns and one interception. He has added 97 yards and one touchdown on the ground, and he has a 107.6 passer rating. He struggled at times during the Bears' season opener but looks plenty comfortable in Johnson's system now. He's operating without hesitation and playing with timing and rhythm in the pocket.
There are going to be more games like Sunday for Williams and others like the opener, in which he scuffled. But the floor has been set at a higher level now for Williams, and it's fun to imagine how high the ceiling could be.
Maine man on defense
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was a disruptive force Sunday with 15 tackles and two interceptions to lead the way in Chicago's strong defensive effort.
Though the Bears surrendered 396 total yards and struggled against the Cowboys’ running game, the defense held strong throughout the game. The Bears allowed just 14 points and had four takeaways in the inspired effort.
Extra points
-- I happened to call the Bears’ first play on offense, a design for rookie tight end Colston Loveland. It didn’t connect, but it illustrated Johnson’s desire to incorporate Loveland into the offense. He later hauled in a 31-yard reception.
-- Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson made a great play to rip the football away from Cowboys running back Javonte Williams on Dallas' second play from scrimmage. The turnover set the tone for the day.
-- Bears receiver Rome Odunze had three touchdowns as a rookie last season. He has four scores through three games this season. The Bears have their top wide receiver, and he’s getting better and better.
-- It could've been a different game if Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb was healthy, but he exited with an ankle injury in the first quarter.
-- Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson recorded a solo sack, his first since Week 1 of the 2022 season – his first ever NFL game.
-- Bears defensive Montez Sweat later recorded his first sack of the season.
-- I love a good 19-play drive.
-- The Bears believed their leadership was better after acquiring defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and left guard Joe Thuney in the offseason. Their presence was felt Sunday.
-- Eberflus may not be long for his job in Dallas if his defense continues to play like that.
-- That’s a bad Cowboys team.
-- The Bears have a winnable game against the Raiders next Sunday. They could be 2-2 heading into their Week 5 bye.
-- That was a fun football game.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.