Analytics prove Bears CB Jaylon Johnson allowed few steps of separation in 2023

Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. Pro Football Focus recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.

"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, "PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Jaylon Johnson experienced an incredible breakout campaign for the Chicago Bears in 2023",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/jaylon-johnson-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Justin Melo",author_gravatar_hash:"3db2d799cf003653055acaf8b5418622",author_avatar_url:null,category_names:$R[14]=["News"],tags:$R[15]=["chicago-bears","jaylon-johnson","news","nfl"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Chicago Bears cornerback \x3Ca href=\"/player/jaylon-johnson\" class=\"player-link\" data-player=\"jaylon-johnson\">Jaylon Johnson\x3C/a> experienced a breakout campaign last season. Johnson's on-field play resulted in a well-deserved contract extension earlier this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles signed him to a four-year, $76 million extension.\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"4227e03e-ff44-4f3c-bf87-3ece63c46a62",wp_post_id:100000000143,title:"This ridiculous Caleb Williams speed stat shows Bears opponents have another problem",slug:"caleb-williams-speed-stat-20-mph-bears-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/14",published_at:"2026-09-14T17:08:18.768+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-14T17:08:18.768+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Caleb Williams' arm wasn't the only thing that jumped off the screen in the Chicago Bears' 59-37 Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>So did his speed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/Underdog/status/2099498410789453941?s=20\">Underdog shared a remarkable stat Monday,\x3C/a> showing that Williams has recorded seven carries reaching at least 20 mph since the beginning of the 2025 season, tied with Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell for the most in the NFL over that span.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs are next with six apiece.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here's the part that makes Williams' number so impressive: he's done it on just 87 carries. And Week 1 provided two more examples of just how dangerous Williams can be when he takes off.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams showed off legitimate breakaway speed\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Williams rushed 10 times for 65 yards and two touchdowns against Carolina, including a 29-yard touchdown run as Chicago's offense erupted for 552 total yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/NFL/status/2099206562099466440?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/NFL/status/2099206562099466440?s=20\">https://x.com/NFL/status/2099206562099466440?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Williams reached 20.80 mph on the 29-yard touchdown, the second-fastest speed of his NFL career. He also reached 20.35 mph on his other touchdown run.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The comparison from Underdog drives home the point that Williams is more than just a fast quarterback. Mitchell, Taylor and Gibbs are among the league's most explosive running backs, yet Williams has produced as many or more 20-plus mph carries since the beginning of last season despite receiving a fraction of the rushing opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams rushed for 388 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 regular season. He already has 65 yards and two scores after one game in 2026. His legs have always been part of his game, but if Week 1 is any indication, they could become an even more dangerous component of Ben Johnson's offense this season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's a frightening thought considering everything else Chicago showed against Carolina.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding his two scores on the ground. He finished the afternoon responsible for 334 total yards and four touchdowns without committing a turnover.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears already have plenty of speed surrounding Williams. It turns out their quarterback might be one of their most explosive athletes, too.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Caleb Williams has reached 20-plus mph seven times since 2025, matching the most in the NFL despite having only 87 carries over that span.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789405597285-f1mhbt.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwNTU5NzI4NS1mMW1oYnQud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDU1OTgsImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2NTU5OH0.WcKI_UmEUizwqGbCWpTSayGVOYz-hRlVyLhUYv6XuMk",photo_credit:"Bob Donnan-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-14T17:02:45.939274+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Bears Offense","Bears Week 1","Ben Johnson","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears","NFL Next Gen Stats"],meta_title:"Caleb Williams' wild stat is turning heads after Week 1",meta_description:"Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams has reached 20-plus mph on seven carries since 2025, tying for the NFL lead despite having only 87 rushing attempts.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Caleb Williams",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[20]={id:"c371d89b-289a-459e-8f6c-71526e825e61",wp_post_id:100000000142,title:"PFF grades reveal the Bears defenders who shined and struggled badly in Week 1",slug:"bears-pff-defensive-grades-week-1-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/14",published_at:"2026-09-14T16:35:05.8+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-14T16:35:05.8+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears escaped Charlotte with a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, but the defense didn't have nearly as much fun as Ben Johnson's offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina piled up 478 total yards, with Bryce Young throwing for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Still, Chicago's defense made enough timely plays — including rookie Malik Muhammad II's interception just before halftime and a critical fourth-down stop in the third quarter — to help the Bears pull away.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>So which Bears defenders actually played well?\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://premium.pff.com/nfl/games/2026/1/chicago-bears/defense\">Using Pro Football Focus' Week 1 grades\x3C/a>, and setting a 20-snap minimum to eliminate performances too small to provide a meaningful sample, there were a few clear winners and several concerning performances.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Cam Lewis leads Bears defense\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Cam Lewis earned Chicago's best qualifying defensive grade at 72.0 while playing 65 snaps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Lewis was particularly strong against the run, earning an 82.9 run-defense grade, and PFF credited him with seven tackles and zero missed tackles. Not bad.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Muhammad was another encouraging performer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The rookie cornerback earned a 65.0 overall grade\x3Cstrong> \x3C/strong>across 52 snaps, but the number that really stands out was his 69.4 coverage grade. It was the best on the Bears' defense. Muhammad also delivered one of the game's biggest defensive plays, intercepting Young with five seconds remaining in the first half to preserve Chicago's 31-24 lead.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Grady Jarrett earned a 65.0 grade over 44 snaps. He generated four pressures. Again, not bad.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman wasn't far behind with a 60.2 grade while playing all 68 defensive snaps. His Week 1 performance was encouraging for the first-rounder. It feels like the Bears landed a cornerstone piece of their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789403688561-fd57ym.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwMzY4ODU2MS1mZDU3eW0ud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDM2ODksImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2MzY4OX0.elHfKn9B-5XqhMSGiVdPJwmyNdv_ixZRODdfMaSfw9Q\" alt=\"TJ Edwards\">\x3Cp>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have some ugly grades at the bottom\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The bottom of the qualifying list of PFF grades is pretty brutal.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>T.J. Edwards received Chicago's lowest PFF grade at 32.2 across 68 snaps. His 22.3 run-defense grade is straight-up embarrassing. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Tyrique Stevenson wasn't much better. Stevenson earned a 36.0 overall grade across 54 snaps, including a 34.7 coverage grade. He was picked on all day by Young and the Panthers' passing game. PFF's charting had him allowing four receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions, resulting in a perfect 158.3 opposing passer rating when targeted. That's a rough opening afternoon for a cornerback who entered the season hoping to play his way into a lucrative new contract.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>James Lynch (36.6), Jordan van den Berg (39.3) and Neville Gallimore (40.0) also finished near the bottom among Bears defenders who played at least 20 snaps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Van den Berg is especially disappointing after a preseason that crowned him as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 draft.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jaylon Johnson's 44.8 grade is another score that jumps out. The Bears need Johnson to return to his elite form if this defense is to have any chance of supporting an offense that is ready to make a deep playoff run.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears defense has plenty to clean up\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The PFF grades reinforce what was obvious on Sunday: Chicago's defense wasn't close to good enough despite the 22-point victory.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears surrendered 37 points and 478 yards, and Carolina remained tied with Chicago at 31 midway through the third quarter before the Bears' offense finally took control.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Lewis, Muhammad, and Thieneman provided encouraging performances in a secondary already dealing with injuries, while Jarrett looked closer to his performance level with the Falcons than he did in his first year with the Bears in 2025.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Edwards, Stevenson, and several defensive linemen landing near the bottom of PFF's grades underscore how much work remains.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The good news is the Bears are 1-0. The offense already looks terrifying. But Allen and the defense has a lot to fix before Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Cam Lewis and Malik Muhammad were among the Bears' highest-graded defenders in Week 1, while two starters landed at the bottom of PFF's grades.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789403566130-4acwoc.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwMzU2NjEzMC00YWN3b2Mud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDM1NjcsImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2MzU2N30.oscauE3tzsQ2zGgPMexyzzD2sUuUMFHRKalQ-JJwEAE",photo_credit:"Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-14T16:22:15.583109+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["Bears Defense","Cam Lewis","Chicago Bears","Grady Jarrett","Malik Muhammad","PFF","T.J. Edwards","Tyrique Stevenson"],meta_title:"Bears' defensive PFF grades expose Week 1 concerns",meta_description:"PFF's Week 1 defensive grades reveal the Chicago Bears' top performers against the Carolina Panthers and several starters who struggled badly.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"e90ca619-c77c-4778-8672-101fd7efb8d9",wp_post_id:100000000141,title:"PFF's baffling Caleb Williams grade doesn't match what Bears fans watched in Week 1",slug:"caleb-williams-pff-grade-bears-panthers-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/14",published_at:"2026-09-14T16:20:26.639+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-14T16:20:26.639+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears' offense couldn't have asked for a much better start to the 2026 season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago erupted for 59 points and 552 total yards in its 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai each topping 100 rushing yards and Caleb Williams accounting for four touchdowns.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://premium.pff.com/nfl/games/2026/1/chicago-bears/offense\">Pro Football Focus' grades\x3C/a> paint a surprisingly different picture of Williams' performance.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>To avoid overreacting to players who appeared for only a handful of snaps, we'll use a minimum of 20 offensive snaps to evaluate the Bears' best and worst PFF grades. That eliminates small-sample performances such as Theo Benedet's 69.1 grade on 19 snaps, Kaden Davis' 57.7 on 10, and Sam Roush's 53.8 on 12.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And even with that threshold, PFF's evaluation of Williams is difficult to understand.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>D'Andre Swift leads Bears' highest-graded players\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Swift didn't just pass the eye test in Week 1. PFF's analytics thought he was spectacular, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears running back earned a 90.7 overall grade, the highest among Chicago offensive players who logged at least 20 snaps. He also received a 90.9 rushing grade.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift carried 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns as the Bears' running game overwhelmed Carolina. Monangai added 100 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown, as Chicago finished with 291 rushing yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kalif Raymond was right behind Swift with a 90.2 overall grade across 45 offensive snaps. He earned an 86.8 receiving grade and an 84.2 run-blocking grade.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The offensive line also had two performances PFF loved.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Right guard Jonah Jackson earned an 85.7 overall grade, highlighted by an 88.7 pass-blocking grade. Right tackle Darnell Wright finished at 84.0, with PFF giving him an impressive 88.5 run-blocking grade.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Cole Kmet rounded out the group of Bears players above 80, earning an 84.6 overall grade over 43 snaps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those grades generally align with an offense that controlled the game and produced one of the biggest offensive performances in franchise history.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Then there's Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789402708530-76o5qs.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwMjcwODUzMC03Nm81cXMud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDI3MDksImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2MjcwOX0.k7XQMu235v9xprXxomrl6lk7N5PB2FqmWbH_f2XbqfQ\" alt=\"Caleb Williams Bears Panthers\">\x3Cp>Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>PFF's Caleb Williams grade doesn't pass the smell test\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>PFF gave Williams a 60.4 overall grade. His passing grade was only slightly better at 61.5.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Say what?!\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns (and no interceptions!). He added 65 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's 334 total yards, four touchdowns and zero turnovers while completing 72.4% of his passes. His passer rating was 123.8.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>More importantly, Williams wasn't simply piling up meaningless production. He was running an offense that scored 59 points and accumulated 552 yards. Chicago's 59 points were the most it has ever scored in a season opener, while its 552 yards were the second most in a Week 1 game in franchise history.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Was Williams flawless? No. There were throws and opportunities he'll want back, and PFF's grading system is specifically designed to evaluate individual plays rather than simply reward a quarterback for his final stat line.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But at some point, a grading system has to reflect reality.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams produced four touchdowns without committing a turnover. He completed nearly three-quarters of his passes. He averaged 9.3 yards per passing attempt and 6.5 yards per carry. He repeatedly created offense with his legs and helped Chicago score touchdowns on eight possessions.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And PFF came away with a 60.4?\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's not merely lower than his statistics might suggest. It's a grade that portrays Williams' performance as ordinary. And there was nothing ordinary about it.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>PFF was much harsher on several Bears starters\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Using the 20-snap minimum, we also have to take a look at the other end of the spectrum: the guys who didn't fare so well on offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Center Garrett Bradbury finished last among qualifying Bears with a 49.9 overall grade across all 75 offensive snaps. PFF gave him a 43.5 pass-blocking score and a 51.3 run-blocking grade.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Colston Loveland wasn't far ahead at 51.6 over 65 snaps. His receiving grade was just 47.4. His lack of production was one of the more surprising events of Week 1. Loveland has been touted as one of the breakout superstars of 2026, but he ended the opener with zero catches.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Rome Odunze received a 59.2 overall grade across 36 snaps, while Joe Thuney checked in at 60.2 over all 75.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And then, remarkably, comes Williams at 60.4. And that's what makes his grade stand out even more. PFF essentially placed Williams in the same neighborhood as the lowest-graded regulars on an offense he quarterbacked to 59 points.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789402739517-7cn2dk.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwMjczOTUxNy03Y24yZGsud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDI3NDAsImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2Mjc0MH0.2IYfH2tuttpspwrpOquGBTpe76eDX379djGUqvaW9eE\" alt=\"Caleb Williams Chicago Bears Carolina Panthers\">\x3Cp>Bob Donnan-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>This is exactly why PFF grades need context\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>PFF grades can be useful. They provide another layer of evaluation beyond box scores, and they're valuable for positions where individual performance isn't easily captured by traditional statistics.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But they shouldn't override what actually happened on the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift's 90.7 makes perfect sense. Jackson and Wright grading well fits an afternoon when the Bears rushed for nearly 300 yards. Bradbury and Loveland may also have legitimate individual mistakes behind their poor grades that weren't obvious in the overall offensive explosion.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams is different, though.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>A quarterback completing 72.4% of his passes, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt, accounting for 334 yards and four touchdowns, and committing zero turnovers shouldn't need his performance rescued by context. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>PFF watched one of the most explosive season-opening offensive performances in Bears history and determined the quarterback responsible for directing it deserved a 60.4.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Sometimes the grade tells us something the box score doesn't. This time, the grade might tell us more about the limitations of the grading system than it does about Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"PFF rewarded several Bears stars after Chicago's 59-point Week 1 explosion, but its surprisingly low Caleb Williams grade is difficult to defend.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789402593151-5er0nc.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTQwMjU5MzE1MS01ZXIwbmMud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODk0MDI1OTQsImV4cCI6MjEwNDc2MjU5NH0.4UrG9CKOIwBrQCvLFyGABDpxVl2sb9AAwDSb9wdsjH0",photo_credit:"Bob Donnan-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-14T16:07:50.728035+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["Caleb Williams","Carolina Panthers","Chicago Bears","Colston Loveland","D'Andre Swift","Darnell Wright","Jonah Jackson","PFF"],meta_title:"PFF's Caleb Williams Week 1 grade doesn't add up",meta_description:"PFF loved several Bears offensive players in Week 1, but its surprisingly low grade for Caleb Williams is difficult to reconcile with his performance.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Caleb Williams",reading_time_minutes:4,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!0},$R[26]={id:"17f37503-c671-4f62-b079-a7038efa1430",wp_post_id:100000000140,title:"Caleb Williams' message after Bears score 59 points says everything about their expectations",slug:"caleb-williams-postgame-comments-bears-panthers-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/14",published_at:"2026-09-14T00:22:28.468+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-14T00:22:28.468+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears just scored 59 points in a season opener, and Caleb Williams' reaction afterward might have been as encouraging as anything he did on the field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams didn't treat Sunday's 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers as some kind of finished product. Instead, he talked about trust in Ben Johnson, praised D'Andre Swift after his monster performance, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-_SWYYPtoo\">and made it clear Chicago's offense expects even more from itself moving forward\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's quite a statement considering the Bears just produced the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams embraces Ben Johnson's aggressiveness\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>One of Sunday's most debatable Bears moments came in the second quarter.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago led 21-14 when Johnson elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Bears' own 21-yard line. Williams was stopped on a quarterback sneak, giving Carolina possession in excellent field position.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Panthers eventually turned the short field into a touchdown that tied the game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson didn't back away from the decision afterward, and neither did Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote>\x3Cp>\"When Coach has that belief, trust, and faith in us, we've got to go get it as players when he calls it. It doesn't matter what the play is, it's a mentality play when you're fourth-and-one. That's what it comes down to. We've got to be better and go get it.\"\x3C/p>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>That's the mentality Johnson has brought to Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There will inevitably be times when his aggression backfires, and Sunday provided an obvious example. But Williams' response is important. He didn't question the call or use field position as an excuse. He put the failure on the players to execute.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789345279331-66869j.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0NTI3OTMzMS02Njg2OWoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDUyODAsImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwNTI4MH0.s2LcTaPZoiyc3bwbGJ_lHk955QVKHNhE2lPzSrp59wY\" alt=\"Dandre Swift Bears Panthers Week 1\">\x3Cp>Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Williams has huge praise for D'Andre Swift\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Williams was even more enthusiastic when discussing Swift.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears running back couldn't have scripted a much better few days. After agreeing to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $27.5 million guaranteed, Swift opened the season with 124 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams offered a unique description of what Swift brings to the offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote>\x3Cp>\"He's a golden star because he can do everything. He can catch, he can block, run downhill, run wide zone, run tosses, get on the edge and from there he's not only getting first downs, he's trying to take it to the house. He's a special player, and happy that we got him for the next 3-4 years.\"\x3C/p>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>Swift wasn't the only running back who shredded the Panthers' defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyle Monangai added 100 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Williams ran for 65 yards and two scores himself. The Bears finished with 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams says Bears have to be 'truthers'\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Williams' most interesting comments, however, came when he discussed what happens next.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago totaled 552 total yards, scored a franchise-record 59 points in a season opener and converted 10 of 14 third downs. Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding his two rushing scores.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Williams immediately identified areas that weren't good enough.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote>\x3Cp>\"I think it's how we want to look each week, and that doesn't just happen. It happens through training camp, OTAs, and the week of preparation. We've got to be truthers. Obviously, this is going to be our worst game, but execution, blocking, penalties, we have to be a truther about who we are when we watch the film. The goal each week is to go 1-0, find ways to get better for next week.\"\x3C/p>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>The Bears definitely have material for that next film session.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago committed 12 penalties, turned the ball over on its opening possession and failed on the aggressive fourth-down attempt deep in its own territory. Defensively, the Bears surrendered 478 yards and 37 points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams' \"worst game\" comment is nevertheless striking.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears just scored the fourth-most points in franchise history and broke the franchise record for points in a season opener. Yet Williams walked away talking about getting better.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Maybe Chicago won't score 59 points every Sunday. In fact, we can safely assume they won't. But Williams' larger message is what matters. This is what the Bears believe their offense can look like in Year 2 under Johnson: aggressive, balanced, and explosive.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And after one historic afternoon in Carolina, Williams believes they can be even better\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Caleb Williams backed Ben Johnson, praised D'Andre Swift and made it clear the Bears aren't satisfied after their record-setting 59-37 victory over Carolina.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789345128399-7qa7no.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0NTEyODM5OS03cWE3bm8ud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDUxMjksImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwNTEyOX0.uZgmhL5EU9ULrkvXYis1aPSVRxfyEHvpnRsj_wIUvRc",photo_credit:" Bob Donnan-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-14T00:12:07.705712+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=[],meta_title:"Caleb Williams' postgame message should excite Bears fans",meta_description:"Caleb Williams praised D'Andre Swift, backed Ben Johnson's aggressiveness and delivered an intriguing message after the Bears' 59-37 Week 1 win.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"c098d6b9-bc46-41c1-91b0-d5ca046e92fc",wp_post_id:100000000139,title:"Bears Week 1 grades: Caleb Williams was spectacular, but one problem can't be ignored",slug:"chicago-bears-week-1-grades-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/13",published_at:"2026-09-13T23:37:50.054+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-13T23:37:50.054+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>If this was the first glimpse of what the Chicago Bears offense can become in Year 2 under Ben Johnson, the rest of the NFL has officially been warned.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears opened the 2026 season with a ridiculous 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, piling up 552 yards while Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns and D'Andre Swift celebrated his new contract extension with three rushing scores.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The 96 combined points made it the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>However, it wasn't perfect for the Bears. Far from it.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's defense surrendered 478 yards, Bryce Young threw for 361 yards, and the Bears committed 12 penalties. But Chicago also forced three turnovers and turned a 31-31 game in the third quarter into a 59-37 blowout.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here are the BearsTalk grades from Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Quarterback: A+\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>This is what Year 3 Caleb Williams is supposed to look like.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He added 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns, giving him 334 total yards and four scores.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>His 29-yard touchdown run with 32 seconds remaining in the first half was enormous. Carolina had erased Chicago's early advantage and tied the game at 24, but Williams drove the Bears 80 yards in just over two minutes and finished it himself to give Chicago a 31-24 halftime lead.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There will be more difficult defenses ahead, but Williams looked comfortable, decisive, and dangerous. Get those NFL MVP talks started.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789342483991-gm7f37.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0MjQ4Mzk5MS1nbTdmMzcud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDI0ODQsImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwMjQ4NH0.C_cXcuCufZnShcDH5eJVaw5oHIkC1n6uYJ1uAftb_GM\" alt=\"DAndre Swift Bears Panthers\">\x3Cp> Bob Donnan-Imagn Images \x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Running backs: A+\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>How could this grade be anything but an A+?\x3C/p>\x3Cp>One day after agreeing to a three-year, $33.75 million extension, Swift carried 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And then there was Kyle Monangai.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The second-year back needed only 10 carries to reach 100 rushing yards, highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown that broke the game open late in the third quarter.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift and Monangai combined for 224 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Absurd production.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Wide receivers: A-\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears didn't need one receiver to dominate because Williams spread the football around.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Surprisingly, Kalif Raymond led Chicago with eight catches for 84 yards, while Luther Burden III caught five passes for 63 yards. Rome Odunze, playing despite the calf injury that made him questionable entering Sunday, caught two passes for 52 yards, including a 47-yard reception.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jahdae Walker also got into the end zone with a one-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Tight ends: B+\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Colston Loveland was invisible Sunday, but Cole Kmet made his opportunities count.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kmet caught Williams' first touchdown pass of the season, a 22-yard score early in the second quarter that gave Chicago a 21-7 advantage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears scored 59 points without needing a monster performance from Loveland, which is probably more encouraging than concerning.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789342554226-1mnf90.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0MjU1NDIyNi0xbW5mOTAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDI1NTUsImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwMjU1NX0.IkIpfh373lBPXFLNThDT_wbWy6ryBK4cEXmA6WBXpXk\" alt=\"Williams Panthers\">\x3Cp>Erik Verduzco/AP\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Offensive line: A\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears ran for \x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>289 yards\x3C/em>\x3C/strong>\x3Cem>. \x3C/em>There really isn't much more that needs to be said.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, Monangai averaged 10.0, and Williams added another 65 yards. Chicago finished with 552 total yards and averaged 7.9 yards per play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There were occasional problems, including a Jaelan Phillips sack, but the overall body of work was overwhelmingly positive.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears' offensive line helped produce one of the most explosive offensive performances in franchise history.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Defensive line: C-\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Here's where things start going off the rails.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears allowed Carolina to generate 478 yards and 37 points, and Young spent too much of the afternoon finding receivers downfield.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kentavius Street recorded Chicago's lone sack. The Bears eventually made enough plays to allow the offense to pull away, but the pass rush wasn't disruptive enough.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Against better quarterbacks, that could become a much larger problem.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Linebackers: C+\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There were some positives, particularly against Carolina's running game, but it's difficult to hand out high defensive grades after allowing 37 points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Chuba Hubbard had 49 rushing yards on 10 carries, and he scored twice — once rushing and once receiving.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago did a better job against the run than it did defending Carolina's passing attack, which saves this group from a lower grade.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Secondary: D+\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>This was the concern entering Week 1, and nothing that happened Sunday made it disappear.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Young completed 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns, while Jalen Coker torched Chicago for eight receptions, 138 yards and two touchdowns. His 51-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was part of a Carolina passing attack that repeatedly produced explosive gains.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But it wasn't all bad\x3C/p>\x3Cp>First-round pick Dillon Thieneman led Chicago with 10 tackles, while rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad II intercepted Young. The Bears also forced three turnovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But allowing 361 passing yards to open the season is a warning sign, particularly with Kyler Gordon and Coby Bryant unavailable.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears won despite their secondary Sunday, not because of it.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Special teams: B-\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Cairo Santos made his 40-yard field goal and converted his extra points, while Chicago didn't allow a special-teams disaster to alter the game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There were some imperfections, however, including kickoff issues that keep this from being an A-level performance.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, in a game this chaotic, mostly uneventful special teams wasn't a bad thing.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789342651264-rwbawz.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0MjY1MTI2NC1yd2Jhd3oud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDI2NTEsImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwMjY1MX0.hOylecWKiX2IoqbDkmD5SMffRif3On066WmLRk4J6kA\" alt=\"Ben Johnson Bears Panthers\">\x3Cp>Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Coaching: A\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Ben Johnson's offense scored 59 points and accumulated 552 yards in the first game of the season. That's the biggest headline.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Even more impressive was Chicago's response after Carolina tied the game at 31 early in the third quarter. The Bears didn't tighten up or allow the game to turn into a fourth-quarter coin flip. Instead, they scored the next 21 points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson kept his offense aggressive, the Bears leaned on a devastating rushing attack, and Chicago turned a competitive game into a blowout.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Dennis Allen's defense has plenty to clean up, and 37 points can't simply be shrugged off because the offense scored 59. But the three takeaways helped compensate for the yards surrendered.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Overall Bears Week 1 grade: A-\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>It's difficult to complain too loudly about a 22-point road victory over a defending division champion.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago scored 59 points. Williams looked every bit like the ascending franchise quarterback the Bears expect him to be. Swift and Monangai overwhelmed Carolina on the ground. The offense generated 552 yards, and the Bears forced three turnovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But this wasn't an A+ team performance because the defense provided a legitimate reason for concern. The Bears aren't going to score 59 every week. They're also not going to survive allowing 478 yards and 37 points every week.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's the fascinating takeaway from Week 1: the offense might be even better than expected, while the defense looks every bit as concerning as feared.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For one Sunday, it didn't matter. The Bears are 1-0, and their offense just sent a thunderous opening statement to the rest of the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears scored 59 points in a historic Week 1 win over Carolina. Caleb Williams and the offense earned elite grades, but the defense left a major concern.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1789342391595-hibj8g.avif?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4OTM0MjM5MTU5NS1oaWJqOGcuYXZpZiIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODkzNDIzOTIsImV4cCI6MjEwNDcwMjM5Mn0.MdkX_EoSI3j_ZiWhSAAiEtYtFY8A6k-ovr3jL9kPOy0",photo_credit:" Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-13T23:17:53.668096+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=["Bears defense","Bears Panthers 59-37","Bears Panthers grades","Ben Johnson","Caleb Williams Week 1","Chicago Bears report card","D'Andre Swift"],meta_title:"Bears Week 1 grades reveal one major reason for concern",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears beat the Panthers 59-37 behind a spectacular offense, but Chicago's Week 1 report card reveals one major concern despite the blowout win.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:5,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:"$year$month$day$slug20240702chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-pro-football-focus"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()