Caleb Williams shows off elite skill, arm strength in dazzling preseason performance
Caleb Williams is off to a great start in his NFL career.
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick had an impressive showing in his second preseason game on Saturday afternoon. Williams’ statline doesn’t stand out — he completed 6-of-13 passes for 75 yards in Chicago’s win over Cincinnati. He also rushed for a touchdown (more on that later) in the victory.
But the highlights? That’s a different story.
Williams’ athleticism, arm strength and vision all stood out to fans and media who were watching the game on Saturday. Perhaps that was best shown in his lone rushing attempt of the day, which ended in a 7-yard score.
Williams bought himself time by rolling to his left while probing the defense in the red zone. Eventually, Williams simply charged forward to pay dirt. Here’s a replay of his lone TD on the day:
Caleb. Williams.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/2YcTQ98uB2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 17, 2024
Earlier in that same drive, Williams nearly had a touchdown pass to rookie Rome Odonze. Williams rolled to his right this time, evading pressure, and found Odunze wide open in the back of the end zone — but the first-round pick was out of bounds when he caught the ball.
Still, it was an impressive display of Williams’ skillset:
Two plays before that, Caleb Williams had another INSANE play that would’ve been a touchdown pass, but Rome Odunze was out of bounds in the back of the end zone. 🏈🔥🎯 https://t.co/UoNozkhJll pic.twitter.com/UscBSWem4o
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 17, 2024
Odunze still ended up on the receiving end of a significant highlight for Williams, though. He caught this pass from the former Heisman Trophy winner — perhaps Williams’ best throw of the day:
Caleb Williams is a special talent. What a throw pic.twitter.com/TXRFUdYxiD
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 17, 2024
Here’s another angle:
Caleb dropped it right in the bucket for Rome
📺: #CINvsCHI on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/RuOltD9VC2— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
Williams has a great situation in Chicago with a strong offensive line and receiving corps. He’s currently +120 to win Rookie of the Year in 2024-25, according to the latest odds at FanDuel. Williams is also -145 to lead all rookies in passing yards this season.
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Williams and the Bears will have 1 final preseason game on Thursday, Aug. 22.