Bears Rookie Quarterback Caleb Williams Sees Improvements Despite Frustrating Loss to Colts
Despite Second Straight Defeat, Williams Remains Optimistic
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams produced promising numbers in his third career NFL start. They came with a disappointingly familiar result Sunday for Chicago.
While the No. 1 overall draft pick topped the 300-yard mark for the first time and got the Bears into the end zone twice with the first two TD passes of his pro career, Williams could not complete a fourth-quarter comeback attempt at Indianapolis, suffering his second straight defeat.
“Got our first two passing touchdowns of the year, which obviously feels good,” he said. “I think the offensive identity is brewing. I think it’s a lot closer than it was the week before, or weeks before. I think it’s right there. I think we were one small detail away on a lot of these plays, and that includes me.”
Progress Despite Pass Protection Issues
After last Sunday’s loss at Houston, the bruised and battered Williams hobbled off the field so sore that the effects were lingering three days later. This time, he walked off the field, quickly passing people, his chin pointed up and with a look that said he was ready to start all over next week against the Los Angeles Rams.
The primary problem, so far, for the Bears (1-2) continues to be pass protection. While Williams was a solid 33-of-52 for 363 yards, all career-bests, and finished with a passer rating of 80.8 — more than double Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 39.0 — the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner spent most of the game operating on the run. Again.
Bears Look to Improve Next Week
The Bears host the Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday at noon, the first of two straight home games before they travel to London to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
The primary problem, so far, for the Bears (1-2) continues to be pass protection. While Williams was a solid 33-of-52 for 363 yards, all career-bests, and finished with a passer rating of 80.8 — more than double Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 39.0 — the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner spent most of the game operating on the run. Again.
Conclusion
Despite the loss, Williams remains optimistic about the team’s progress. The Bears’ next game against the Los Angeles Rams will be an opportunity for them to improve and get back on track.
FAQs
Q: What was Caleb Williams’ performance like in his third career NFL start?
A: Williams was a solid 33-of-52 for 363 yards, all career-bests, and finished with a passer rating of 80.8.
Q: What was the primary problem for the Bears in their loss to the Colts?
A: The primary problem was pass protection, with Williams being sacked four times, hit a total of seven times, and harangued into a series of throwaways.
Q: What is the Bears’ schedule looking like for the next few weeks?
A: The Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday at noon, followed by two straight home games before they travel to London to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
