Caleb Williams is currently on historic pace, showcasing remarkable talent as the Chicago Bears quarterback. The team has recently triumphed over some struggling opponents, including a decisive victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, bringing their record to 4-2.
Prior to facing the Jaguars, the Bears squared off against a battered Los Angeles Rams team and the Indianapolis Colts, both of whom have faced their share of challenges this season.
However, the Bears have not always capitalized on opportunities against weaker teams. Their recent performances, which included scoring over 35 points in consecutive games for the first time since 2013, indicate a shift in momentum and confidence.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has made history by becoming the first Bears player to achieve three straight games with a passer rating over 100 since Jay Cutler did so in 2009. This marks a significant milestone after 15 years.
In the game against the Jaguars, Williams completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception. His impressive completion rate of 79.3% was the highest among qualified quarterbacks in Week 6.
The significance of this win cannot be understated; it is filled with historical context.
Here are some notable statistics:
- Williams is the first rookie quarterback since 1950 to start a season with no passing touchdowns in the first two games, then throw for eight or more in the next four.
- He is only the third rookie quarterback in Bears history to throw four touchdown passes in a single game, the first since Cade McNown in 1999.
- Williams holds the record for the most touchdown passes by a Bears rookie quarterback in any three-game span (7) and any four-game span (9).
- In the Super Bowl era, only two Bears quarterbacks have had three or more games with multiple touchdown passes during their rookie season: Caleb Williams (2024) and Jim McMahon (1982).
- Williams shares a unique accomplishment with Robert Griffin III as the only rookie quarterbacks since the merger to achieve four passing touchdowns, 50 rushing yards, and a completion rate of 75% or higher in a game.
Beyond these impressive statistics, the overall performance of the Bears’ offense is on the rise. While the beginning of the season was rocky, it is expected with a new play-caller, fresh talent, and a rookie quarterback. The coaching staff has taken a bold approach by giving Williams the reins right from the start, trusting in his ability to navigate the challenges.
One of the most promising developments from the game against the Jaguars was the emergence of tight end Cole Kmet as a reliable target for Williams. Kmet boasts an impressive 90% catch rate this season.
Another rookie, Rome Odunze, made his mark with significant downfield contributions, achieving his first 100-yard game despite the team’s loss to the Colts.
In Week 4, D’Andre Swift had a breakout performance, showcasing his skills with 165 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. The Bears also discovered Roschon Johnson as a valuable backup during that game. Last week, DJ Moore made headlines with two touchdowns against his former team, the Carolina Panthers.
In London, Williams connected with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen five times, including two touchdown receptions.
Overall, Williams successfully targeted seven different receivers during the game, contributing to the Bears’ total of 373 offensive yards and 25 first downs, alongside 152 net rushing yards.
On the defensive side, the Bears have been consistently strong since the start of the season. Their defense played a crucial role in securing a win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, creating turnovers and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Against the Jaguars, the defense recorded an interception, a fumble recovery, and three sacks, bringing their season total to 21, ranking them among the top five in the league.
With 1,317 passing yards so far, Williams is on track for a total of 3,732 yards this season, which would break the Bears’ rookie passing record of 2,193 yards and fall just short of the franchise record of 3,838 yards for any quarterback.
Even if Williams does not reach these milestones in his inaugural season, there is a sense of optimism surrounding his future and the trajectory of the Bears.
Carmen Vitali is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. She has previously worked with The Draft Network and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where she spent six seasons, including the 2020 season, which added the title of Super Bowl Champion to her résumé. Follow Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV.
