'They were expecting fireworks from Caleb Williams': Bengals' defense stymies Bears' QB

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was making his home debut Saturday, in a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals .

Williams' first three drives were three-and-outs, despite playing against mostly non-starters for the Bengals. Williams completed just two of his first six passes, for 12 yards.

"They were expecting fireworks from Caleb Williams," Bengals radio analyst Dave Lapham said after the Bears' first three-and-out. "You could hear a pin drop."

"Zac Taylor's defense has got to be pleased with how they've been able to bottle up this Chicago Bears all-star cast," Bengals preseason TV play-by-play announcer Mike Watts said.

"How impressive has this defense been! Very impressive," TV analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz said. "Great team effort from that defense."

Williams did complete a 45-yard pass to fellow rookie Rome Odunze with 2:00 left in the first half. Williams had a 7-yard touchdown run a short time later.

Williams was sacked earlier in the second quarter by Bengals rookie Kris Jenkins.

Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside completed 7-of-8 attempts for 45 yards in the first quarter.

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'They were expecting fireworks from Caleb Williams': Bengals' defense stymies Bears' QB