Caleb Williams shows off an important skill in his debut: the ability to avoid contact.

For rookie quarterbacks in the preseason, the big question is whether the player passes the eye test. The other question is whether he shows the ability to avoid injuries to the eyeball and other parts of the body.

One of the most impressive aspects of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ impressive debut against the Bills was his ability to avoid contact.

On his second attempt, he had the ability to block the ball after a short pass. Williams made a wise stop. Later, while trying to scramble, he made a wise stop.

It sounds simple, but how many quarterbacks over the years haven’t been able to do it? (Too many.)

The most impressive moment came before his most impressive throw. Flipping to the right while being pursued by Bills defensive lineman Dwane Smoot, Williams created space with a quick feint that froze the defender. That allowed him to throw the ball without taking a hit after unleashing a great throw for a solid gain.

It’s a simple rule. Reduce the hits, reduce the chances of getting injured. Despite the basic logic, many quarterbacks allow pride, ego, and/or testosterone to take over.

“He’s being aggressive!” some might say when the quarterback drops his shoulder a yard or two. He’s being aggressive, too.

There were other reasons to be excited about the debut. On the first try of the game, Williams threw a dart to third base and 12th to convert it. Then he improvised a quick pass to quarterback D’Andre Swift as the walls came crashing down.

He finally looks like he’s fit the bill. And for a team that hasn’t had a quarterback since Sid Lookman, that’s the best news ever.