The Chicago Bears began their preseason with a Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans. The game did not offer much as neither team started its starters. The game was eventually called off due to inclement weather late in the third quarter, and the Bears were awarded a 21-17 victory.
While many were disappointed that the Bears did not suit up Caleb Williams even if it was for one series, the Bears displayed a lot of good things offensively. Quarterback Brett Rypien came in the second quarter taking over from Tyson Bagent and took control of the offense. He completed 11 of 15 passes and threw three touchdowns, two to wide receiver Collin Johnson.
William got his first pre-season action last Saturday when they played the Buffalo Bills and the game. He showed the world why he was drafted No.1 overall and gave the Bears fans reason to be optimistic this upcoming season completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards.
The Bears will face the Cincinnatti Bengals this Saturday which also includes a scrimmage between two teams on Thursday. But the Bengals made an announcement that they will not be playing their starters ahead of Saturday's game.
The Bears must play Caleb Williams on Saturday
Some are wondering if their decision has any impact on the Bears' decision to play Caleb Williams on Saturday. Head coach Matt Eberflus has said he wanted to give Willams about 45-55 snaps during pre-season. Since Williams had just 18 snaps against Buffalo, the Bengals' decision to sit out starters should not have any influence on their plans at all.
Because the pre-season games have been shortened from four to three after the NFL Competition Committee voted to extend the regular season to 17 games back in 2021, the second pre-season game is considered the most important one now, where the starters usually play until close to halftime.
Eberflus went through similar issue last season when starters did not play in the second pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, the team looked unprepared and were not ready in the their blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in the season opener, which set the tone for the entire 2023 season.
The Bengals game is also very important for Rome Odunze, who did not catch a pass from Williams in his preseason debut against the Bills. He needs an opportunity to develop chemistry with Willams. This Saturday's game could be the last time they play together before the regular season starts. Sitting Williams and the starters based on the Bengals' decision is dangerous and shortsighted.
Matt Eberflus has received much criticism in his two years as the head coach. As he enters a critical third season, many fans remain very skeptical of him as the Bears' head coach. If he wants to prove he has learned from his past mistakes, Williams must play, even if it is against their second—and third-string defenders, until he meets the projected reps.