Caleb Williams made his debut last weekend when the Chicago Bears defeated the Buffalo Bills in the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason.
While Bears fans had been hearing reports that Williams had looked special during various parts of the team’s training camp, the rookie quarterback’s success on Saturday signaled that the Bears may have officially gotten the quarterback position right.
The NFC North could prove to be the division of quarterbacks this season given that Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff were among the best quarterbacks in the NFC last season.
NFC North Preseason Power Rankings Week 2
1. Detroit Lions, Preseason Week 1 result: Loss to New York Giants, 14-3
- The Detroit Lions did not play their starters in their first preseason game as they lost to the New York Giants in what was a rather forgettable preseason game. Still, the Lions get the respect of remaining at the top of our NFC North Power Rankings given they remain one of the strongest Super Bowl Contenders in the NFC.
2. Green Bay Packers, Preseason Week 1 result: Win against Cleveland Browns, 23-10
- Packers quarterback Jordan Love was the best quarterback in the NFL during the second half of the 2023 season and he did not miss a beat in his preseason debut. Love played one series, completing both pass attempts including a 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks.
3. Chicago Bears, Preseason Week 1 result: Win against Buffalo Bills, 33-6
- Williams certainly looked the part in his first game action at the NFL level. Not to be outdone, the Bears’ defense was strong against the first-team Bills’ offense. That is a combination that could have the Bears quickly trending toward the top of the NFC North.
4. Minnesota Vikings, Preseason Week 1 result: Win against Las Vegas Raiders, 24-23
- Vikings’ rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy looked strong in his first game action, completing 11 of 17 passes including 2 touchdowns. The bad news is that McCarthy’s rookie season is now in jeopardy after suffering a torn meniscus.