The Chicago Bears had a field day on offense in their 59-37 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, largely thanks to nearly 300 yards on the ground. Expect the opposite to happen in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, courtesy of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Chicago got an outstanding performance from Williams, who completed 72.4% of his passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He used his legs more than the Bears fan base has ever seen, logging 10 carries for 65 yards and two more scores in the win.
Williams looked like a completely different, improved quarterback than the one on the field last year. That could be good news for the rest of the season, but in Week 2 against the Vikings, it should terrify their defense with what's about to happen.
Caleb Williams is ready to lit up Vikings' defense in Week 2 Bears game
Minnesota's defense is well known as one of the NFL's best thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his exotic looks. That Vikings unit was not the same one fans have been accustomed to seeing over the last few seasons.
In their Week 1 comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings' defense allowed 353 yards, tying for the second-highest total with the Bears. They got the victory, which matters, but Williams must be foaming at the mouth to throw it on this defense.
For one, the Vikings' secondary is clearly not where it needs to be. They have an aging Harrison Smith who is not the same guy he was five years ago. Once a reliable veteran corner, Byron Murphy Jr. struggled against the Packers, allowing four receptions and a passer rating of 85.4.
With Murphy in the nickel position, that might be the opening Williams needs to exploit that situation. He and Kalif Raymond had really good chemistry in Week 1, as he led the Bears in receiving with eight receptions for 84 yards. Watch for Williams to attack that part of the Vikings' defense to perfection.
Another reason is that the Vikings are the most blitzed team in the NFL exiting Week 1. Flores blitzed over 80% of the Vikings-Packers game.
Williams likely won't get as many rushing yards, since the Vikings plan to send the house early and often. That will open the middle of the field for guys like Raymond, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet to get open and make big plays. Vikings could be in for a living nightmare in the middle of the field against the Bears' stellar tight ends.
Read more: Grading Dillon Thieneman’s first NFL performance with the Bears
There is every opportunity for Williams to go out there in Week 2 and sling the ball around for over 350 yards, as the Vikings have already exposed every issue they have on defense entering the game. Chicago's offense is so good that this is Williams' chance to show off the arm and put up big yards in the air.
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