Caleb Williams became the first No. 1 pick QB since 2002 to win his debut thanks to the Bears’ defense

There was a lot of hype surrounding Caleb Williams’s NFL debut on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Heck, Williams literally received a standing ovation from Chicago fans as he took the field for the first time. You know, you don’t see that every day.

While the Bears eventually prevailed 24-17 (they were down 17!), this game showed that growing as a competent quarterback remains a gradual process. It’s why No. 1 pick quarterbacks like Williams — who now joins an unfortunate club after failing to eclipse 100 passing yards — have struggled in their first NFL starts. There’s just a lot of chaos happening that you have to process and get accustomed to before making any sort of comfortable leap.

Fortunately for Williams, he might have one of the NFL’s premier defenses and special teams on his side. And the Bears’ defenders are clearly why he’s the first top-pick rookie quarterback to win their debut since David Carr for the Houston Texans in 2002:

It has been a LONG TIME since a No. 1 overall QB pick has won in their debut. pic.twitter.com/ywh2tmgtnF

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 8, 2024

A record of 1-14-1! Think about all the names involved there. That’s a lot of rough rookie quarterback play to overcome!

After watching how much Williams and the Bears’ offense shot themselves in the foot all afternoon, it was hard to imagine Chicago pulling off a win. But then Jonathan Owens scored on a blocked punt that made Simone Biles so happy. Then Tyrique Stevenson housed a Will Levis pass for a pick-six.

And then Jaylon Johnson, perhaps the best cornerback in the NFL, closed the door for good:

.@NBAxJay1 seals the deal

: #TENvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/YwVsHLDhlA

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 8, 2024

If you’re a Bears fan, there was nothing inherently new about Sunday.

The offense struggled, barely looking like anything close to a professional attack. But a monstrous defense and third phase flexed its muscles when it was time to win the game, the way so many Bears teams have in the past. It’s a tried-and-true franchise formula that only goes so far.

Chicago is hoping that Williams will eventually be the main catalyst in wins, the bona fide difference for an organization trying to leave the NFL’s basement for good. It still says something that the Bears were able to overcome Williams looking green and uncomfortable and win anyway.

For future reference, though, not every top rookie quarterback will have Williams’ supporting cast. So, I would probably avoid picking the next young man to be in Williams’ shoes come 2025. Just on a matter of principle.