The Chicago Bears’ eight-game losing streak has pushed rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to his limits, both physically and mentally. As the No. 1 overall draft pick, Williams has endured relentless pressure all season, being sacked 58 times—the third-most by a rookie since 1970. Monday night’s 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was no different, with Williams facing constant heat and enduring two more sacks.
This difficult stretch marks the Bears’ descent from a promising 4-2 start at their Week 7 bye to a disheartening 4-10 record. It also solidifies their fourth consecutive season with double-digit losses, a reflection of the deeper issues plaguing the franchise.
Despite the setbacks, Williams has shown glimpses of optimism amidst his struggles. While visibly frustrated on the bench in the fourth quarter after taking a punishing hit, the rookie has remained focused on growth and perseverance. He acknowledges the challenges of adapting to the professional level, compounded by a lack of protection and the team’s broader instability.
A significant factor in Williams’ struggles has been his hesitation in the pocket. His rookie tendencies—holding onto the ball too long and missing open targets—were magnified against Minnesota, as he faced pressure on nearly 43% of his dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats. The offensive line, particularly rookie Kiran Amegadjie filling in for Braxton Jones, also faltered under the Vikings’ relentless rush.
Third downs proved disastrous for Chicago, as the Bears converted just one of 12 attempts. Williams completed only 2-of-7 passes for 34 yards on third downs, while taking two sacks and losing a fumble. He faced pressure on an astounding 73% of his third-down dropbacks, the highest rate of any quarterback this season on that critical down.
The rookie candidly compared the toll of the hits to being in repeated car accidents, noting how the physical wear accumulates over time.
Adding to the Bears’ woes were unforced errors, like a penalty that negated a crucial touchdown. Backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer failed to report as an eligible receiver during a goal-line play, wiping out a D’Andre Swift score. Instead of closing the gap, Chicago settled for a field goal, a microcosm of their season’s struggles.
Mistakes like these underscore the systemic issues within the organization. The firing of head coach Matt Eberflus has not provided the reset the team hoped for under interim coach Thomas Brown, as the Bears remain winless in two games, each lost by 18 or more points.
While the losing streak may be eroding morale, Williams continues to fight. His resilience is a small beacon of hope for a franchise mired in dysfunction. For the Bears, the remaining games of the season are less about salvaging wins and more about rebuilding confidence, refining processes, and preparing for a brighter future.
