Bears Begin New Chapter with Tough Loss to Vikings
The Chicago Bears ushered in a new era under head coach Ben Johnson with a narrow 27-24 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. Despite a strong defensive showing for the first three quarters, during which they allowed only six points, the Bears faltered in the final moments, succumbing to a barrage of 21 points in the fourth quarter.
Caleb Williams Under Scrutiny
As the spotlight turns to quarterback Caleb Williams, the second-year player’s performance has drawn mixed reviews. Completing 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, Williams also contributed with 58 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. Despite this, the Bears’ offense struggled to seal the victory, leaving observers questioning whether 24 points should have been enough to clinch a win.
Analysts have taken note of Williams’ late-game struggles, with CBS Sports NFL analyst Bryant McFadden pointing out that outside of a promising first drive, Williams seemed to lack the poise expected from a starting quarterback. “We saw growing pains for Caleb Williams outside the first drive, where he looked very, very comfortable,” McFadden remarked on “CBS Sports HQ.” He further emphasized the disappointment in Williams’ performance against a rookie quarterback making his debut, stating, “You’re supposed to outplay J.J. McCarthy regardless of how the game ends.”
Comparisons and Critiques
McFadden’s criticism extended to Williams’ inability to execute plays as a professional quarterback. “He has to learn how to be a professional quarterback,” he noted, highlighting the need for timely throws within the pocket. Williams appeared to adopt a more improvisational style at times, reminiscent of a seven-on-seven drill, which ultimately hindered the Bears’ offensive rhythm.
“Sometimes you have to do that,” McFadden acknowledged, “But in this offense with Ben Johnson, it’s a rhythm, it’s a timing offense. You have to have the proper footwork to deliver these passes on time.” Unfortunately, this aspect was notably missing from Williams’ game, particularly during the crucial third and fourth quarters.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears regroup following this heart-wrenching loss, the focus will undoubtedly shift to both Williams’ development and the overall team performance under Johnson. With the season still in its early stages, it remains to be seen how the Bears will address these growing pains as they seek to capitalize on their potential.
