The arrival of Caleb Williams has sparked a renewed sense of hope for football fans in Chicago, like a brisk winter breeze from Lake Michigan.

Chosen as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, Williams is being touted as a once-in-a-generation talent and a potential franchise hero. Some analysts even believe he can lead the Chicago Bears back to the playoffs this season. His talent has even led to comparisons, albeit somewhat unfair, to three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.

On Saturday, Williams felt the support from a charged crowd during his debut at Soldier Field, even though it was merely a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“The fans were amazing, they really showed up,” Williams said, appreciating the love and excitement directed towards him from a fanbase eager for success – one that believes he might become the greatest quarterback in the history of a team that’s been around for over 100 years.

“Running through the end zone was a pretty incredible experience.”

Nevertheless, despite the enthusiastic crowd and the high expectations, the Bears’ 27-3 victory served as a reminder that the team, which hasn’t seen a playoff win in almost 14 years, is likely to reflect the ups and downs that come with having a rookie quarterback.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner began the game with the starting offense against a Bengals defense primarily made up of substitutes but struggled at first. Chicago’s offense went three-and-out in their first three drives, totaling just 16 yards. Williams completed two of six passes for a mere 12 yards and faced an intentional grounding penalty.

“We didn’t perform well today; we started slow, and that’s not acceptable in this league,” Williams noted, taking responsibility for a false start from a hurried cadence as well as a sack.

“We’re going to improve; we will keep progressing. We’re excited about winning games for the Chicago Bears.”

The fourth drive marked a shift in momentum, providing a glimpse of what the Bears might achieve in the upcoming 2024 season after finishing 7-10 last year without Williams.

An impressive 16-yard run by wide receiver Rome Odunze, selected just a few spots after Williams, helped the offense gain traction. Following that, Williams threw a deep pass that could have seen Tyler Scott score a 58-yard touchdown. However, a pass interference call turned the play into a 43-yard gain instead, leading to a field goal attempt from 37 yards.

The excitement escalated from there.

During the Bears’ last drive of the first half, Williams displayed his agility, scrambling to his left before throwing across his body for a stunning 45-yard completion to Odunze at the Bengals’ 7-yard line. Although the next play seemed like a touchdown to Odunze, who unfortunately stepped out of bounds, the moment highlighted the chemistry building between the two rookies.

“That was just a rookie mistake on my part,” Odunze admitted to NFL Network afterwards. “I thought I had my foot in, but here we are – a lesson learned.”

However, just two plays later, Williams capitalized on Odunze’s earlier misstep, showcasing his elusiveness as he scanned for passing options before taking off and running in for a touchdown.

Williams beamed when discussing the growing connection he has with Odunze.

“We’re going to be explosive. As two rookies, we’re aiming to catch up to the veterans rapidly to match their performance,” Williams shared, mentioning that he still needs to strengthen his rapport with seasoned receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.

“Our bond will continue to grow.”

In response to comparisons made by Dolphins All-Pro Tyreek Hill, who likened Williams to Mahomes with a tweet, Williams maintained a level-headed perspective. “That’s cool and all, but I’m focused on establishing my identity in the NFL,” he said, aware of the long journey ahead before achieving MVP accolades or pursuing Super Bowl victories.

“We’re committed to striving for perfection,” said Williams, even though he recognizes the inevitability of more challenges and inconsistent performances in his rookie year.

Nonetheless, he confidently expressed his optimism about the future, saying, “We’re going to win a lot of games and have a blast doing it.”