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Bears Blank Bills: Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson & a Statement Night at Soldier Field

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Bears

In a dominant preseason showcase, the Chicago Bears routed the Buffalo Bills 38–0 at Soldier Field as No. 1 pick Caleb Williams flashed playmaking in Ben Johnson’s scheme and the defense swarmed. Here’s your complete Bears vs Bills game recap, key stats, injuries, how to watch back, schedule context, and what it all means for Chicago and Buffalo heading into 2025.

 

Why a Mid-August Preseason Game Mattered

Preseason results don’t count, but they do tell us who’s ready. For the Chicago Bears, this was our first real look at Caleb Williams in live NFL action inside offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system. For the Buffalo Bills, it was a test of depth behind stars like Josh Allen while new faces settled into reworked position groups (notably at safety and along the defensive line). The stage: Soldier Field, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, nationally on FOX.

Joint practices during the week gave us an early read—reports said the sessions were chippy, competitive, and highlighted both teams’ evolving identities (and some turnover swings).

Final Score & Quick Hits

 

The Headline: Caleb Williams’ Debut Pops

On his first preseason series, Caleb Williams uncorked a 36-yard touchdown to Olamide Zaccheaus, a perfect encapsulation of why Chicago drafted him—off-platform creation, timing, and confidence. The Bears then layered in intermediate seams and play-action concepts to keep Buffalo off balance. Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland were featured on chunk gains, while the second unit (QB Tyson Bagent) kept the pressure on with sustained drives and red-zone execution.

Chicago’s official channels rolled out the receipts: every Williams completion clipped, and multiple highlight packages spotlighting the vertical shot to Zaccheaus, seam shots to Kmet, and crisp timing with the tight ends. For a “first look,” it was as clean as you could script.

Defense with Bite: Austin Booker & Co. Keep Bills Off the Board

While the offense grabbed the headlines, Chicago’s defense pitched a shutout. Rookie edge Austin Booker continued his torrid August with his fourth preseason sack, collapsing the pocket and strangling Buffalo’s approach. Chicago rallied to the ball, limited explosive plays, and dominated situational downs. For preseason standards, the tackling and rush-lane integrity were notably sharp.

On the Bills’ side, Mike White handled QB1 reps with key starters—including Josh Allen—held out. It was a night to evaluate depth: protection cohesion, WR roster battles, and back-end communication in the secondary. The Bills’ staff intentionally sat core stars to avoid undue risk in mid-August.

The Injury Everyone’s Watching: Terell Smith

A sobering moment came late in the first half when Bears CB Terell Smith suffered a non-contact left knee injury covering Kristian Wilkerson. He was carted off and ruled out. Smith’s played real snaps the past two seasons, so his status matters for Chicago’s corner rotation. We’ll know more after imaging, but it’s the one cloud over an otherwise dominant night.

By the Numbers: Bears vs Bills (Preseason Week 2)

For the full box score, play-by-play, and snap counts, ESPN’s game file is the best one-stop shop. The Bills’ site also posted a “Final score, highlights, key stats” hub moments after the final whistle.

Coaching & Scheme: Ben Johnson’s Early Footprint

Ben Johnson didn’t empty the playbook—it’s August—but we got hallmarks of his design:

  1. Defined reads for a young QB: early shots scripted off play-action, seam-benders for the TEs, and rhythm throws to build confidence.
  2. Formational variety: motions to ID coverage, plus stacks to free releases for the slot threats.
  3. Run-pass marriage: inside zone and duo looks setting up the glance/seam menu.

For a first viewing, the operation was on tempo and procedurally clean (huddles, formations, substitutions). That speaks to Johnson’s install and Williams’ command. The result wasn’t just points; it was professional.

Bills’ Perspective: Depth, Jobs, and What’s Next

The Bills approached this as a depth audit, giving Mike White lead reps and focusing on roster bubble evaluations at WR, DT, and the return game—contests involving names like Laviska Shenault, Brandon Codrington, and interior disruptors T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. Expect those position battles to carry into Preseason Week 3. Joint-practice notes earlier in the week hinted at the staff’s priorities: chemistry in the new safety tandem and sorting the WR room behind Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir.

Buffalo’s official recap acknowledged the tough night and points to a rapid turnaround before the Tampa Bay finale. Big-picture, this doesn’t change the Bills’ regular-season arc, but it elevates the urgency for backups to stack quality reps.

Broadcast & “Where to Watch” Notes (for Replay/Highlights)

 

What It Means for Chicago

  1. Quarterback runway: Williams’ timing, placement, and pocket feel on the scripted series align with what you want to see from a first outing. The tight end usage (Kmet/Loveland) foreshadows how Chicago may insulate Williams on early downs.
  2. Depth wins in August: The second-unit offense and defense executed—always a telltale sign of a well-coached roster heading into the cut-down window.
  3. Injury watch: Terell Smith’s knee is the week’s critical follow-up. Cornerback depth charts change the calculus against early-season opponents.

Schedule context: Chicago’s final preseason tune-up comes Friday, Aug. 22 at home vs. the Chiefs, then Week 1 vs. the Vikings (Mon, Sept. 8). Mark your calendars.

What It Means for Buffalo

  1. Process over points: With starters on ice, this outing was about evaluating backups—not chasing a scoreboard. The flip side: you still want functional offense, cleaner protection, and red-zone answers from the twos and threes.
  2. WR/return competition: The Shenault/Codrington battle remains live; special teams value could decide a roster spot. Keep an eye on how reps are split against Tampa Bay.
  3. Safety chemistry: New pairing Cole Bishop/Taylor Rapp is still accruing reps; miscommunication costs games in September, not just in August.

Schedule context: Bills wrap preseason Saturday, Aug. 23 at Buccaneers, then open Sunday, Sept. 7 vs. Ravens (NBC).

Key Storylines to Track This Week

Practical Fan Guide

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