The Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is on the verge of achieving significant milestones this season, despite facing challenges in his completion percentage. As the Bears strive for playoff positioning, they are just two wins away from securing the top seed in the NFC, coupled with a loss from Seattle.
Williams is unlikely to meet Ben Johnson“s ambitious goal of a 70% completion rate this year, as he would need to complete 201 consecutive passes without an incompletion over the last two games. However, his current record of 11 wins and four losses demonstrates a successful season overall. Williams has completed 57.8% of his passes (285 of 493), marking the lowest completion percentage of any starting quarterback who has led his team to the playoffs since Andrew Luck achieved a 54.1% completion rate in 2012.
Despite the statistics, Williams has made substantial contributions that highlight his individual success and the team”s achievements. A crucial aspect of his effectiveness this season has been his availability; he has not missed a game since entering the league last year. Only eight quarterbacks in the NFL have started all 32 regular-season games over the past two seasons, with Williams being one of them. Others include Jared Goff, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, and Baker Mayfield.
According to Johnson, Williams” physical attributes contribute significantly to his ability to withstand hits. “I think he”s built a certain way that helps him withstand some of these hits because it”s not for lack of taking hits,” Johnson said. He noted that despite a decrease in sack numbers this year, Williams still faces considerable pressure. “He takes his training seriously in the offseason, and I think that carries over to the year, enabling him to endure some of this stuff.” Johnson emphasized Williams” leg strength and core stability, stating, “It”s very difficult to bring him down in the pocket.” His combination of strength and quickness allows him to escape from defenders who seem poised to sack him.
If Williams can avoid throwing an interception against the San Francisco 49ers, he will set an NFL record for the most games without an interception in a quarterback”s first two seasons, reaching 23 games. Moreover, he is on track to surpass Erik Kramer“s franchise record for passing yards in a single season, which stands at 3,838 yards. Williams would need to throw for 439 yards to break that record, a goal that remains within reach given his average of 226.7 yards per game.
In addition to these individual accolades, Williams could redefine team records as well. If he throws five touchdown passes in the remaining two games, he will surpass Kramer”s team record of 29 touchdown passes from 1995. Williams currently leads the league with six fourth-quarter and game-winning drives this season. He credits the team”s recent success in clutch moments to their collective mindset. “I think it”s really just us,” Williams remarked. “Realizing that it isn”t necessarily the other team that”s actually stopping us.”
Coaches are not surprised by Williams” ability to lead the team during critical moments. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle highlighted Williams” growth in executing under pressure, stating, “It”s something that we see in practice and has continuously improved since we”ve been here.” He emphasized that Williams has worked diligently with quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett to enhance his performance in high-stakes situations. “In a big moment with the brightest lights to be able to go execute and do that, it was awesome to be able to see that,” Doyle added.
