Making the breakthrough: Assessing the Bears’ players and coaches in their win over the Jaguars

QUARTERBACK (A)

Caleb Williams (23 of 29, 236 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, 124.4 passer rating) didn’t shy away as the Bears opened the game with two three-outs for a total of seven yards. And his biggest mistake — a poorly thrown ball that turned a big-gainer for DJ Moore into an interception — only increased his concentration. The Bears went for touchdowns on their next four drives – 31 plays, 217 yards – with pinpoint passes to Keenan Allen for two of the scores.

Williams was also an effective scrambler with four carries for 56 yards, including a 23-yard run.

Offensive line (A)

With Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Matt Pryor and Darnell Wright starting for the second straight game, the O-line had its best game of the season, even though the difficulty level was lower against a weaker Jaguars defense Line, progress is progress.

The Bears had 29 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. Williams was sacked three times, but only for five yards. There were few, if any, significant breakdowns and Williams had enough time to survey the field and find a clear path on several occasions.

RECEIVER (A)

Running back Roschon Johnson (two receptions, 25 yards) got things started, breaking a tackle after a short pass for a 17-yard gain and converting a third-and-six pass at the Jaguars’ 48th line. On the next play, tight end Cole Kmet (5-70, two touchdowns) was completely open on a well-designed play, then broke a tackle on a 31-yard touchdown catch, and soon everyone was contributing. Four others had two or more receptions: Keenan Allen (5-41, two touchdowns), Rome Odunze (2-40), DJ Moore (4-20) and running back D’Andre Swift (4-28).

SECONDARY (A)

The Bears showed their skills. Safety Elijah Hicks, starting in place of the injured Jaquan Brisker, caused a stir early with a pass breakup in the end zone, forcing the Jaguars to settle for a field goal. He also had a rocky recovery. Jaylon Jones had a team-best 10 tackles. And Josh Blackwell, who replaced the injured Kyler Gordon in the third quarter, had an interception that contributed to the decisive victory.

COACHING (A)

It could have been a tricky game against a team more familiar with the difficulty of traveling and playing in London. But the Bears were convincing winners on both sides. From Shane Waldron’s game plan to Matt Eberflus’ successful defense with two and three starters.