Williams leads Bears past Falcons with career-best start
Quarterback Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring strain and completed a career-high 12 passes to start, guiding Chicago to a 31-23 victory over Atlanta.
Caleb Williams returned to the lineup on Sunday after missing the previous game with a hamstring strain and helped the Chicago Bears defeat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23. Williams began the contest by completing his first 12 attempts, the longest opening streak of his career, and threw two touchdown passes in the first two drives. He finished with 30 completions on 36 attempts for 305 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers.
Chicago built a 31-7 lead early and held off a late Falcons rally that narrowed the margin to one possession. The Bears outgained Atlanta 368 to 257 yards and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 40:08 compared with 19:52 for the Falcons. Tight end Colston Loveland caught a touchdown pass on a play where Williams escaped pressure and rolled to his right, while wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded eight receptions for 95 yards.
The win moved the Bears to 4-2, keeping them in contention in the NFC North behind the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings. Chicago faces upcoming games against the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The Falcons fell to 2-4, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returning from a rib injury.