The question hanging over this game all week was whether Caleb Williams was really back. He answered it with his first twelve throws. Williams completed his first 12 passes in his return from the hamstring injury that cost him three games, and the opening drive ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland.

That touchdown was the 50th of Williams's career, in his 37th regular season game. Only Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson reached 50 passing touchdowns that fast while throwing 15 or fewer interceptions. Williams finished the afternoon 30 of 36 for 305 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions, and his career line now reads 50 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.

The ground game did its share. D'Andre Swift ran for two touchdowns and Roschon Johnson added a third, and Luther Burden III led the receivers with eight catches for 95 yards, a season high. Chicago held the ball for 40 minutes and eight seconds and built the lead in quarters: 14-0 after one, 21-7 at the half and 28-7 after three.

Atlanta made it a game late. The Falcons scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to pull within one possession, and Michael Penix Jr. finished with three touchdown passes. The comeback died on Atlanta's final possession, when Kyler Gordon forced the fumble that ended it. Gordon, making his season debut, recorded three sacks.

Chicago did not make it easy on itself. Twelve offensive penalties cost the Bears 133 yards, and the fourth quarter got far tighter than it needed to be. None of it changes the headline. The Bears are 4-2, and the most important position in the sport just played like it belongs to Chicago in the NFC North.

Next up is a short week and a Thursday night date with the defending AFC champion New England Patriots.

Key Facts

  • Final: Bears 31, Falcons 23 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Williams: 30 of 36, 305 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT in his return from a hamstring injury
  • Milestone: 50th career TD pass in his 37th game; only Mahomes and Jackson did it that fast with 15 or fewer INTs
  • Support: Swift 2 rushing TDs, Johnson 1 rushing TD, Burden 8 catches for 95 yards
  • Defense: Kyler Gordon 3 sacks and the game-ending forced fumble in his season debut

VIA USA Today, Bears Wire, Yardbarker, FOX Sports.

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