The tough times for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears’ offense may not be completely over yet.
However, they are finally starting to show the mix of efficiency and excitement they hoped for after making several changes during the offseason. The Bears’ 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was a good example of this.
“Guys are really believing in each other and believing in themselves and believing in our football team,” coach Matt Eberflus said Monday. “When you have a performance like that at the very end, to be able to pull that out like that, it’s good. It’s like the first week.”
The Bears had to come from behind against Tennessee without scoring an offensive touchdown in the first game and won 24-17. Now they are scoring more points.
They scored on four straight possessions on Sunday, including three touchdowns. Williams completed 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown while achieving his best passer rating at 106.6, saying it was about feeling more comfortable.
“I think just getting more in the flow of football, the rhythm throughout the season, the rhythm of the week,” Williams said. “Just getting more comfortable and being more consistent with myself throughout the week, I think, is kind of what I’m feeling.”
It also helped to have a strong running game, gaining a season-high 131 yards on 28 carries, with D’Andre Swift contributing 93 yards. However, it was Williams’ ability to avoid turnovers that made a difference, especially after he had three turnovers against the Colts the week before.
“I think he’s seeing things quicker now,” Bears tight end Cole Kmet said. “He’s always done a good job of diagnosing the defense, but I think at first it maybe took him a few extra seconds to really see what was happening.”
