After a roller-coaster season marred by inconsistency and typical Chicago Bears drama, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was absolutely magnificent against the Minnesota Vikings’ No. 1-ranked defense on Sunday.
Throughout the entire afternoon, Williams (32-of-47, 340 yards, two touchdown passes, 33 rushing yards) was ready for everything that genius Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores threw at him. That’s very notable, considering that Flores’ defense has been known to flummox much more accomplished and experienced quarterbacks.
Williams made several incredible off-platform deep throws. He showed off his remarkable velocity and touch into tight windows in the structure of the Bears’ offense time and time again. He was essentially unstoppable any time he had to improvise and use his legs, as the Vikings could do nothing to rattle him. It’s no wonder the Bears scored 17 fourth-quarter points as Williams, once again, heroically rallied them from the dead to get the game into overtime with absurd clutch throws like this:
game on the line, one big completion needed to set up a game-tying field goal, 7 Vikings in the secondary and Caleb Williams does this pic.twitter.com/s2jx9DaVEZ
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) November 24, 2024
While the Bears fell 30-27 in overtime, even Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell seemingly couldn’t help but marvel over Williams’ remarkable brilliance.
After the game, O’Connell was seen whispering something into Williams’ ear:
Kevin O'Connell talking to Caleb Williams after the game.pic.twitter.com/CJr5G72iKu
— ✶ ???????????????????? ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) November 24, 2024
Hmm, it seems a little unorthodox for an opposing coach to have that much of a private discussion with the other team’s quarterback, right? Well, not when it’s showing proper respect.
In his postgame press conference, Williams revealed that O’Connell told him it’ll be a pain to try and beat the Bears quarterback for a long time.
I think that’s a classy message everyone can get behind:
Caleb Williams on Kevin O'Connell's postgame message to him: "He said it sucks that he has to go against me for a while. … Those encouraging words are important."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 24, 2024
Folks, O’Connell isn’t wrong. Williams having his way with the NFL’s top defense — even while mired on one of the league’s more incompetent teams — should be a terrifying sight for the rest of the NFC North moving forward. On Sunday, in less-than-ideal circumstances while surviving the Bears doing everything to drag him down, Williams looked like the kind of quarterback capable of torturing the same three rival teams for 15-plus years.
If the Bears can support Williams with a quality coaching staff after this season, then O’Connell’s worst fears are probably about to come true. He wouldn’t lie to himself about Williams’ transcendent gifts.
Neither should anyone else in the NFC North.
