MINNEAPOLIS — Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have showcased a compelling example this season of how patience can yield positive results in the intense and scrutinized world of the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are currently undergoing their own test of patience with J.J. McCarthy, who has only played four games since being drafted 10th overall in the 2024 draft. McCarthy initially led the Vikings to a remarkable comeback win against the Bears, throwing three fourth-quarter touchdowns—a league record for a debut. However, after spraining his ankle the following week, his development faced another setback, as he missed his entire rookie season due to knee surgery.
Upon returning, McCarthy”s performance has been inconsistent. Today, he will look to maintain an unbeaten record against NFC North rivals as the Vikings (4-5) take on the Bears (6-3). “The magnitude of every single game in the NFL, all the intense attention on every single week, it”s a lot,” McCarthy said. “Young guys can get wrapped up in that emotional rollercoaster, and I”d be lying if I said I didn”t at some points this year. It”s all about staying focused on what”s in front of you.”
In anticipation of McCarthy”s growth, the Vikings invested heavily in their offensive and defensive lines, confident that Coach Kevin O”Connell and his staff could develop the rookie into a contender. However, McCarthy”s recent injury, coupled with injuries to other key players and unexpected struggles across various positions, has complicated this plan. Over four games, McCarthy has accounted for seven turnovers and holds a passer rating of 65.8, second-worst among the 46 quarterbacks who have started at least one game this season. “The standard I have for myself is the same as what the team has for them,” McCarthy noted. “Yes, we need to recognize there”s a lot of growth in my development, but I”m doing everything I can to ensure a championship-worthy performance week in and week out.”
In contrast, Williams has thrived under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, who has had a significant impact since joining the Bears. After struggling through a rough rookie year, Williams has limited turnovers to just four and has led the Bears to six victories in nine games. Although the teams they have beaten have a combined record of 15-41-1, the Bears have achieved four comeback wins in the fourth quarter. Johnson”s play calling has emphasized a strong running game, alleviating pressure on the young quarterback while allowing him to develop rhythm when necessary. “There probably is just a little bit of, “OK, this is my wheelhouse. I know we”re going to throw it, and the defense knows we”re going to throw it, and yet I can go ahead and make a play,”” Johnson explained.
Additionally, Williams has been consistently available, missing only a few snaps to backup Tyson Bagent during blowout games. “One of the most important things to being an athlete and trying to be a star in this league is actually being able to be out there,” said Williams, who is on track to become the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history. “I take a lot of pride in different recovery methods to ensure I am ready for my teammates.”
Williams initially showcased his dual-threat ability with a strong performance in the season opener against the Vikings, rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown. Recently, he has ramped up his running game, tallying 63 yards and another score on eight carries last week. “Caleb Williams is maybe the slipperiest quarterback out there right now,” stated Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, who missed four games due to a hamstring strain from chasing Williams in their first matchup. “What he”s able to do, how he extends plays and escapes the pocket, is almost Houdini-like.”
After the Vikings were penalized for eight false starts in a loss to Baltimore, the most for a home team in 16 years, McCarthy and his teammates dedicated extra time to refining their pre-snap cadence to regain synchronization. “We identified areas where we can improve our communication, and that”s not just on the quarterback,” O”Connell said. “It”s about the huddle dynamics, the nature of a play call, and when we”re motioning or trying to implement schematic adjustments.”
On the other hand, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a cornerback released by both Houston and Baltimore this season, has quickly made an impact for the Bears with three sacks in two games. His veteran experience is vital for a secondary currently missing two-time Pro Bowl pick Jaylon Johnson and regular cornerback Kyler Gordon due to injuries. Gardner-Johnson has recorded 18 interceptions and seven sacks in seven seasons across five teams. He reflected on his journey: “People have their own agendas or messaging. They don”t know me. I”ve been in a lot of different environments, and people haven”t gotten to know me. Here, I”m comfortable, and they”re comfortable with me.”
