CHICAGO — Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led another game-winning drive for the Chicago Bears until it vanished in one play — again — Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
The NFL world wouldn’t be talking about how Packers defensive tackle Karl Brooks blocked kicker Cairo Santos’ 46-yard field goal attempt if Willams didn’t do what he did before it.
His scramble and 16-yard completion to rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze on third-and-19 after getting sacked on first and second down should have been more than a footnote from the Bears’ 20-19 loss.
His back-shoulder throw to Odunze down the right sideline for a 21-yard gain on the ensuing fourth-and-3 should have been one of the defining moments of the game.
And Williams’ 12-yard throw to receiver Keenan Allen that followed a check to max protection against a blitz for his third consecutive completion in the final 90 seconds would have been detailed as a sign of his growth and progress.
Instead, coach Matt Eberflus followed the lead of Marc Trestman and Matt Nagy and settled for a longer field goal than he should have against the Packers. Running one more play after running back Roschon Johnson’s 2-yard run on first down wasn’t worth the risk to Eberflus. That’s his story. But a different one unfolded in Green Bay’s locker room, where players celebrated everything that led to their block of Santos’ kick, including the Bears’ decision-making.
Add it to the growing list of coaching decisions that will ultimately lead to Eberflus’ dismissal if a dramatic turnaround doesn’t occur for the Bears over their final seven games. It deserves all the scrutiny and criticism it’s getting, locally and nationally.
The Bears’ losing streak reached four games, but Williams delivered enough plays and throws to win at least two of them, the first obviously being the Hail Mary loss against the Washington Commanders. But bad teams find new ways to lose.
“I think we just look to the positivity of it and know that we’re that close,” Odunze said. “We’re fighting to the very end and we need to continue to do so because in this league it’s often going to come down to those type of plays and those type of situations.”
If you’re looking for positives, Thomas Brown’s first game as Bears offensive coordinator can be considered a success against a formidable Packers defense. The entire game felt like progress for the Bears offense and especially for Williams, who was 23-for-31 for 231 yards and had nine carries for 70 yards.
Brown got the plays in quicker for Williams. The players understood and appreciated his pregame scripts. His heavy use of motions and condensed formations helped Williams and also produced explosive plays. There was a concerted effort to get receiver DJ Moore the ball as he finished with seven catches for 62 yards and one carry for 5 yards. And Brown’s vibe and energy from the practice week seemingly extended into game day against a good opponent.
“It was moving,” said tight end Cole Kmet, who had three catches for 42 yards. “I thought TB just did a good job of moving on to the next play, the next play, the next play. I’m sure you guys have noticed, but he’s a pretty direct guy and no-nonsense, and I think guys really bought into that this week for sure.”
The most encouraging signs of progress came on third down. The Packers entered the week with the sixth-best defense on third down at 33 percent. But the Bears converted 9 of 16 third downs (56.3 percent) after going 6-for-40 in their previous three games. The Bears also went 3-for-3 on fourth downs.
“I thought this was the cleanest (Williams has) been in the huddle and with the operation in terms of the offense and he got us into good looks here and there,” Kmet said. “And sure, there’s things that I’m sure he would tell you that he can clean up. But he just did a good job of operating the offense and then at the end of the game just being Caleb Williams. That was cool to see.”
What Williams did in the final two minutes should have been the story on Sunday. His connection with Odunze showed up in the game’s most important moments.
“You always got to be available,” said Odunze, who finished with 65 yards receiving on six catches. “I’m going to fight to the very end, so is this team and Caleb. Luckily for us, we were able to be the ones to make that connection late in the game to make some things happen.”
On third-and-19 from the Bears’ 21, Williams ducked under defensive end Rashan Gary’s leaping sack attempt, escaped the pocket to his right and found Odunze for a gain of 16 yards in front of safety Evan Williams.
“When it comes to two-minute (situations), it’s finding your one-on-ones and finding your guys,” Williams said. “And when it’s time to make plays, make plays.”
On fourth-and-3, Odunze adjusted to Williams’ back-shoulder throw for a 21-yard reception.
“Just a good call by TB,” Williams said. “I think they would be expecting a run or getting something there that sticks.”
Brown took over for Shane Waldron on Tuesday morning and seemingly got Williams back on the right path in less than a week. The rookie looked decisive with his passing and running because Brown was decisive with his play calling. Williams played with confidence.
Seeing Williams excel in those end-of-game situations is extremely important.
“That’s real quarterbacking at a high level,” Eberflus said. “Him to make that connection with the guy that he was drafted with, I think is special.”
But those special moments still would have mattered more in a long overdue win against the rival Packers.
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(Top photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
