Caleb Williams was brilliant yet again on Sunday. Despite a midseason coordinator change and suspect offensive line play, the #1 overall pick brought his best against the NFL’s best defense. The rookie quarterback put up 340 yards passing with two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings, willing them back from down 27-16 to tie the game as time expired, forcing overtime. It was his third 4th quarter comeback since the bye. Sadly, like the previous two, it ended in a loss.
While disappointed, Williams was intercepted by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the field after the final whistle. The two were seen having a conversation in which the coach whispered something to him. Williams revealed what that was at his post-game press conference.
“His message is just to keep going. Hell of a player. Keep going. Way to fight. He said it sucks he has to go against me for a while. But hell of a player. Excited to see me out there fighting, leading these guys.”
That is the highest compliment anybody can give a quarterback. It is also something that hasn’t been said about a Bears quarterback in decades. O’Connell confirmed that statement at his own presser.
“It’s going to be a challenge. We’re going to have to play as consistently as possible and disciplined as possible against him as he continues to grow. I look forward to the challenge of competing against him because he’s going to be a really good player.”
Despite ugly mismanagement from head coach Matt Eberflus over the past few months, the rookie has managed to weather the storm and improve. He tied the rookie franchise record with 11 touchdown passes and broke the record of 2,193 passing yards set by Mitch Trubisky. If things stay on course, he will finish with over 3600 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That would be a pretty good year for any Bears quarterback. Getting it from a rookie is a clear indication they’re trending in the right direction.
O’Connell isn’t stupid. He recognizes the threat Caleb Williams poses. If the Bears stabilize his protection and manage to get him a competent head coach, this team won’t be the pushover it’s been in the NFC North for much longer. That should have fans excited. Quarterbacks have given them nothing but heartbreak for years. This might finally be the one who can change that.
