In the aftermath of the Chicago Bears’ eighth consecutive loss, a 30-12 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took a moment to reflect on his tumultuous first season in the NFL. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft has endured a rollercoaster ride, as the Bears have stumbled to a 4-10 record.
A Season of Frustration and Encouragement
For Williams, who is accustomed to winning, this prolonged losing streak has been a new and challenging experience. “It’s been frustrating and encouraging,” he admitted. “The frustrating part is obviously we’re on an eight-game losing streak. I haven’t experienced anything like this.”
Yet, despite the team’s struggles, the rookie signal-caller remains optimistic about the future. “The encouraging part is how much we fight as a team,” Williams emphasized. “Being able to go through all of what’s happened this year – me not playing well at the beginning of the season, coaches getting fired, being 4-10 right now – and still waking up every day, being consistent, that’s encouraging for me and for this team.”
The Physical Toll of the NFL
Williams, who has been sacked a league-high 58 times this season, offered a vivid analogy when asked about the cumulative impact of the hits he’s taken. “Let’s put it in this context,” he said. “Say you get in three car accidents in a month; you’re going to feel it. That’s what a hit is in football.”
The Bears’ offensive struggles were on full display against the Vikings, as they converted just one of 12 third-down attempts and had a potential touchdown nullified by a substitution error. Backup center/fullback Doug Kramer took full responsibility for the mistake, saying, “100 percent on me. Forgot to report. It’s an unacceptable mistake.”
Accountability and Moving Forward
Wide receiver DJ Moore pulled no punches when discussing the team’s lack of execution. “We don’t know where it’s coming from, but if you don’t got no effort, you don’t got no execution,” he stated bluntly.
Tight end Cole Kmet echoed a similar sentiment, stressing the importance of individual accountability. “I think what I’ve learned through it all is you’ve got to be on your own s—. Trying to get other guys to do certain things, it takes away from your own preparation. So you’ve got to take care of your own s— and just do your job.”
As the Bears limp towards the finish line of a disappointing season, the focus will inevitably shift to the future. With a high draft pick and a young core to build around, the franchise will look to Williams to lead them out of the doldrums. The rookie’s ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity bodes well for his development and the team’s long-term prospects.
“It’s been encouraging but also frustrating for myself.”
– Caleb Williams on his rookie season
While the losses have piled up, Williams’ resilience and leadership have emerged as bright spots in an otherwise dark season for the Bears. As the team looks to retool and rebuild, they will lean heavily on their rookie quarterback to navigate the challenges ahead and steer the franchise back to prominence.
Accountability and Moving Forward
Wide receiver DJ Moore pulled no punches when discussing the team’s lack of execution. “We don’t know where it’s coming from, but if you don’t got no effort, you don’t got no execution,” he stated bluntly.
Tight end Cole Kmet echoed a similar sentiment, stressing the importance of individual accountability. “I think what I’ve learned through it all is you’ve got to be on your own s—. Trying to get other guys to do certain things, it takes away from your own preparation. So you’ve got to take care of your own s— and just do your job.”
As the Bears limp towards the finish line of a disappointing season, the focus will inevitably shift to the future. With a high draft pick and a young core to build around, the franchise will look to Williams to lead them out of the doldrums. The rookie’s ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity bodes well for his development and the team’s long-term prospects.
“It’s been encouraging but also frustrating for myself.”
– Caleb Williams on his rookie season
While the losses have piled up, Williams’ resilience and leadership have emerged as bright spots in an otherwise dark season for the Bears. As the team looks to retool and rebuild, they will lean heavily on their rookie quarterback to navigate the challenges ahead and steer the franchise back to prominence.
