Ever since 2002, no quarterback who was picked first in the draft has won their first game as a professional. Well, that curse has ended and the honor belonged to Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams in his season-opening match against the Tennessee Titans.
In an electrifying season opener, the Bears staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Titans with a score of 24-17 after trailing 17-0 at halftime. The Bears showcased resilience, with a pivotal performance from their defense and special teams that ignited the second-half turnaround.
![Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Puts an End to 22-Year Curse That Has Haunted NFL No. 1 Picks 1 Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24188822-scaled.jpg)
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised his team’s halftime resolve, noting their determination and unity as they rallied together. The special teams unit made a significant impact when Daniel Hardy blocked a Titans punt, allowing Jonathan Owens to return it for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-10 early in the third quarter.
Cairo Santos contributed with a 50-yard field goal to bring the score to 17-13. The Bears capitalized on turnovers, including a crucial strip-sack by Darrell Taylor, leading to a fumble recovery at the Titans’ 31-yard line. Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass from Will Levis and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears their first lead at 24-17.
Despite struggling offensively—completing only 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards—Williams remained focused on improving. The Bears defense, which initially allowed two touchdowns and a field goal, tightened up in the second half, preventing the Titans from scoring again.
Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams Ends 22-Year NFL Curse That Has Haunted Number Picks Ever Since
![Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Puts an End to 22-Year Curse That Has Haunted NFL No. 1 Picks 2 Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_24018059-scaled.jpg)
The victory marked the first time in 22 years since a quarterback picked first in the draft has won his first game as a pro. This accomplishment can be seen in a post Courtney Cronin shared on her official X account.
Caleb Williams with the game ball walking off the field to cheers from the fans at Soldier Field.
Williams is the first QB picked No. 1 overall whose team won in his first start since David Carr in 2002. pic.twitter.com/hGbdApGzXF
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 8, 2024
In 2002, David Carr was selected as the first overall pick by the expansion Houston Texans. In their inaugural game, the Texans defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-10, showcasing a strong defensive performance. Although Carr’s debut stats were modest, he successfully threw two touchdown passes, marking a memorable start to his NFL career.
![Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Puts an End to 22-Year Curse That Has Haunted NFL No. 1 Picks 3 Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_23983255-1-scaled.webp)
This victory not only marks a successful start to the season but also highlights the Chicago’s growing team spirit and defensive prowess. If Williams and the Bears can keep this up, they’ll be breaking more records in no time at all.
![Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Puts an End to 22-Year Curse That Has Haunted NFL No. 1 Picks 4 Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_23966174-scaled.webp)
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