Caleb Williams Watch: How Bears QB fared on Day 9 of training camp

The Chicago Bears returned to the practice field on Tuesday for their ninth -- and third padded -- workout of the summer, and there was plenty to break down from Day 9.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, where the expectation is he'll be able to rewrite the Bears' tortured QB history. Unlike rookie quarterbacks of Chicago past, Williams won't be forced to sit as QB2 behind a veteran. Williams was drafted to be a starter on Day 1, and he's going to see additional valuable reps with the first-team offense during training camp, which will only benefit him heading into Week 1 of the regular season.

We’re taking a look at the good, the bad and the noteworthy with Williams from the ninth practice of Bears training camp:

The Good

It was a mixed bag for Williams on Tuesday, but he had some impressive moments during the third padded practice. According to Josh Schrock, Williams was "efficient" and "in control" during the 7-on-7 period, which included a deep 60-yard touchdown pass to receiver DJ Moore and another impressive pass to tight end Gerald Everett. The offense also closed out practice on a high note during the two-minute drill, where Williams marched the offense down the field with an efficient, three-play, 60-yard drive, which included completions to receiver Keenan Allen (14 yards), running back D'Andre Swift (24 yards) and culminated in a 22-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rome Odunze.

"He’s really made some big strides here," Eberflus said of Williams after practice. "We’re really talking about a massive amount of reps in the first eight or nine practices that we had because we have it set up for the walk-throughs prior to practice as you saw today, and then also in the evening, we had a massive amount. Good on good on the show team and different looks going through the operation of the offense."

The Bad

While Williams and the offense shined during 7-on-7 and the two-minute drill, it was the 11-on-11 period that gave him some trouble...by design. According to Schrock, head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Eric Washington threw a variety of blitzes at Williams, which Schrock noted he mostly "struggled against the constant pressure." It was part of his game that Williams pointed to as an area he wanted to improve the most. During the team period, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive tackle Andrew Billings all recorded "sacks." Williams was also picked off by safety Jaquan Brisker on a pass intended for a "well covered" Cole Kmet

The Noteworthy

The Bears' top rookies once again stole the show during Tuesday's practice with their growing connection that makes for highlight-worthy plays. According to Jacob Infante, Caleb Williams connected with Rome Odunze on a long touchdown during 11-on-11, which left defensive coaches reeling. But that wasn't the only show stopper. The offense concluded practice with a strong two-minute drill -- three plays, 60 yards -- that was capped by Williams hitting Odunze in stride for a 22-yard touchdown. According to Schrock, Williams fit it between cornerback Terell Smith and safety Kevin Byard for the score. Williams then found Odunze in the back corner of the end zone for a success two-point conversion. It's clear that Odunze is becoming a favorite target of Williams', and this dynamic duo could become something special.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams Watch: How Bears QB fared on Day 9 of training camp