Caleb Williams' message after Bears score 59 points says everything about their expectations

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, and made it clear Chicago's offense expects even more from itself moving forward.

It's quite a statement considering the Bears just produced the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.

Caleb Williams embraces Ben Johnson's aggressiveness

One of Sunday's most debatable Bears moments came in the second quarter.

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.

The Panthers eventually turned the short field into a touchdown that tied the game.

Johnson didn't back away from the decision afterward, and neither did Williams.

"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."

That's the mentality Johnson has brought to Chicago.

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.

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Williams has huge praise for D'Andre Swift

Williams was even more enthusiastic when discussing Swift.

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.

Williams offered a unique description of what Swift brings to the offense.

"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."

Swift wasn't the only running back who shredded the Panthers' defense.

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.

Caleb Williams says Bears have to be 'truthers'

Williams' most interesting comments, however, came when he discussed what happens next.

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.

Still, Williams immediately identified areas that weren't good enough.

"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."

The Bears definitely have material for that next film session.

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.

Williams' "worst game" comment is nevertheless striking.

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.

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.

And after one historic afternoon in Carolina, Williams believes they can be even better