The Chicago Bears opened the Ben Johnson era with a 27-24 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. Chicago's defense held strong for three quarters, allowing just six points, but gave up 21 in the fourth.
While the defense will face much scrutiny, much of the national conversation centers on quarterback Caleb Williams. The second-year signal-caller finished 21 of 35 for 210 yards and a passing touchdown, adding 58 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Despite the late collapse, there were still stretches where Chicago showed promise, particularly on offense. Williams flashed his dual-threat ability, but consistency in his passing game remains the lingering question after Monday's loss.
Caleb Williams needs to improve major flaw
On "CBS Sports HQ," former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long noted a major concern for Williams heading into Week 2.
"You talked about 10 for 10 to start the game. Caleb Williams career record for consecutive completions, Long said. "But go look at the completions. A lot of check downs. Albeit the argument last year was he held the ball, he held onto the ball too long, didn't take his check downs. Ben [Johnson] had the check down set up for him.
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"When [Brian] Flores changed that defense, got to the shell and kept an eye on that checkdown receiver, the running back, more often than not, Caleb was forced to have to make plays down the field.
"And that's where the accuracy issues showed their head multiple, multiple, multiple times in big time spots in the game. That's an area of concern, but we're going to find out a lot more about Caleb Williams and how he bounces back week to week. Because as we all know, these things are tough pills to swallow, but the really good ones, they keep it moving to the next."
Williams will have another challenging task in Week 2 as the Bears will face the Detroit Lions, who are coming off a loss to the Green Bay Packers.