Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Makes History In Win Over Los Angeles Rams
Chicago Bears quarterback and former USC Trojans star Caleb Williams has more expectations and pressure than any young player in the National Football League. The Bears rookie has had a seesaw beginning to his career, but the flashes of ability have been enough to keep everyone optimistic.
Chicago's defense has been a saving grace and incredibly consistent to keep them in ball games, but the offense has yet to match the consistency and certainly lacked in the scoring department.
Some of that can be attributed to rookie woes from Williams, but the play-calling and offensive line play has been subpar, to put it kindly. The receiving corps hasn’t been poor, but the lack of communication and chemistry on downfield throws has been concerning.
Against a 1-2 Rams team maligned by injuries on both sides of the ball, Williams and the offense was expected to make a leap and show progress even if minimally. The Bears offense did just that and did their part in a 24-18 home win over the Rams.
Williams also made history - becoming the first Chicago rookie quarterback to win his first two home games.
“I think it’s just us being on the same page and I think that started with the communication throughout the week. Us talking about the flow of a game and when we get in a rhythm, let it go” said Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Williams didn’t have the most impressive stat line or performance against the Rams' defense. There were two plays before the half where he missed wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on passes that would’ve resulted in touchdowns. Williams was also sacked three times, but two of them were honestly on him.
Holding the ball and creating plays off-script is a strength of Williams and his play style, but the ability to know when to tap into that skill set and understand the situation has been discussed ad nauseam. Those mishaps have to be fixed going forward. No way around it.
Despite those mistakes, Williams flashed poise and toughness beyond his years as the game progressed. One thing Williams has done each week is build on his base level of knowledge. He rarely makes the same mistakes repeatedly. Even holding onto the ball, those split-second decisions will become easier with time and as he grows they’ll become second nature.
Williams finished the game completing 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards and a beautiful touchdown pass to DJ Moore. The 106.6 passer rating is rather impressive, but the numbers aren’t the story. The fact that the critical mistake never came shows improvement. The back-breaking turnover never happened, and Williams didn’t try to throw on the Superman cape.
Another baby step was taken today and that’s all you can ask for right now. If performances like this can be the floor for him, Williams and the Chicago Bears will be formidable going forward.
MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting Boost After Wisconsin Win: Four-Star RJ Sermons Commit?
MORE: USC Trojans vs. Wisconsin: Miller Moss, Ja'Kobi Lane ‘Show Fight’ In 1st Big Ten Win
MORE: USC Trojans Storm Back to Beat Wisconsin, Show 'Resilience' in First Big Ten Victory
MORE: USC Trojans Predicted To Land Elite Defensive Lineman Recruit Floyd Boucard
MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss Addresses Head Injury After Win Over Wisconsin
MORE: Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Buys $12.9 Million Estate Near Chicago