Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' rookie quarterback and the No. 1 draft pick, finds himself at the center of attention as the season draws to a close. Despite the team's overall struggles, including a nine-game losing streak, Williams has had standout statistical performances. With two final games on the horizon, the Bears are not only hoping to break their losing streak but also focusing on building momentum for the 2025 season.
This season, Williams has amassed impressive stats, throwing for 3,271 yards with 19 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He has recorded four performances with over 300 passing yards, showcasing flashes of the talent expected from the top pick. Yet, his rookie year has not been without its challenges, as he currently leads the NFL with 60 sacks, making him one of the most pressured quarterbacks this season.
Speaking to the media this week, Williams expressed his desire to eliminate turnovers, particularly fumbles, which have plagued him throughout his last three starts. "These fumbles...turnovers are part of the game, but eliminating those helps win games," Williams said. "I want to focus on cadences, helping linemen out..." His emphasis on self-improvement highlights his team-first mentality and willingness to learn from his difficulties.
Williams's performance against the Seattle Seahawks on December 26 could prove pivotal for both him and the Bears. The matchup, set for Soldier Field at 8:15 PM ET, will see Williams face off against a Seahawks defense ranked 16th, allowing approximately 213.9 yards per game.
Despite the challenging nature of the season, Williams has shown resilience. He has avoided throwing interceptions for nine consecutive games, which is particularly notable considering the circumstances surrounding his rookie year, which has included the firings of Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron and Head Coach Matt Eberflus.
The Bear's current standings at 4-11 have put them on the edge of the playoff picture, and with upcoming games, every game is also about establishing hope and potential for future seasons. Wide receiver Keenan Allen echoed sentiments shared by many on the team, explaining, "Obviously, just being able to be productive on offense, getting more reps, and seeing different things on defense are important for Caleb."
Even as the Bears look to the future, the spotlight remains on Williams and how he can maximize the final weeks of his rookie season. The hope is to see improvements on the field, particularly when it matters most against the Seahawks.
On the injury front, the Bears have faced challenges with key players, including offensive lineman Teven Jenkins and running back Travis Homer, both sidelined for Thursday's game. Conversely, Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III will also be unavailable after sustaining an ankle injury. Such circumstances can significantly influence the dynamics of the game.
Offensive stats reveal the face-off’s gravity—while Williams has delivered on passing efforts, the team has struggled to maintain possession and prevent turnover. Notably, Williams has lost five of eight fumbles this season, which is detrimental for any offense. Consistency, efficiency, and control will be necessary for the Bears to remain competitive.
Chicago's final push includes balancing their offensive approach: utilizing both running and passing plays to keep the Seahawks guessing. With D’Andre Swift leading the charge on the ground and DJ Moore being Williams's go-to target, the offense is presented with opportunities to shine if they can limit mistakes.
Leading up to the Dec. 26 game, the Bears are 4-point underdogs against the Seahawks, indicating the uphill battle they face but also the potential for surprise and upset victories even at this late season stage. The online streaming service Amazon Prime Video will exclusively broadcast the matchup, providing fans with access to this must-watch event.
The game against the Seahawks not only bears significance for immediate playoff standings for Seattle but also for Williams’s development and the Bears’ future. The rookie quarterback is determined to close out the season strong. A strong finish could lay the groundwork for optimism heading to the offseason and beyond. With each game, and each opportunity, Caleb Williams's growth as the franchise's young quarterback will be tested, and all eyes are on him to deliver.
