The Chicago Bears accomplished something in Sunday night’s blowout win over the Buffalo Bills that they didn’t do all last season: Score a touchdown on their opening drive of the game.
The Bears were 0-17 in scoring touchdowns on opening drives during the 2024 season. They only scored 6 total points (two field goals) on such possessions, which ranked dead last in the NFL.
While it’s preseason, it was certainly encouraging to see the starting offense come out firing against the Bills, where quarterback Caleb Williams orchestrated a seven-play, 92-yard drive that culminated in a 36-yard touchdown to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
“If I remember right, didn’t have the best field position to get started there,” said head coach Ben Johnson. “I thought those guys did a really nice job marching it down the field. (QB) Caleb (Williams) made a couple big-time throws, in my opinion, to keep that drive going, and make some plays there. It was good, good to see.”
Williams had his ups and downs during his rookie season, and leading drives right out of the gate was certainly a down. In year two, with Johnson at the helm, the hope is that the Bears can find touchdowns earlier in games.
When you score an early touchdown, especially on the first offensive drive you have, it can lead to a rhythm that helps you score enough points to win. Too many times before, Williams and the offense stumbled out of the gate, leading to lackluster performances. Oftentimes, they didn’t get going until it was too late and the game was out of reach.
It might take some time for the offense to click the way it did on Sunday in the regular season when the starters are playing and the games matter.
With that said, Johnson knows what he’s doing. Whether it’s scheming a double-tight end set where one of them is open, making plays that cater to receivers, or developing a running game that works, the Bears have a play-caller in Johnson who is going to get the most out of his players.
Whether it’s on the first drive or not, the Bears should be much more efficient from kickoff to the end. If this preseason game is a precursor to anything going forward, it is that they won’t rank last in first-possession offense in 2025.
