The Chicago Bears are in the middle of a four-game winning streak, but still, there are reasons for frustration with quarterback Caleb Williams. Whether it is missing open receivers or holding the ball far too long, the winning streak has been on the back of the defense. Add in a solid run game, making timely plays the last two weeks, and the quarterback has had an incredible margin for error. That was on full display in Sunday's 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Williams finished the game 15/26 for 172 yards and an interception, with the numbers not telling the full story. Whether Williams was holding the ball for far longer than an experienced starter should or missing open receivers, the Bears must demand more from their franchise QB. Already, head coach Ben Johnson has noted the need for improvement from Williams. It is beyond clear that the current level of play simply isn't going to cut it as Chicago's schedule is about to grow far more difficult.
Bears' Caleb Williams Continues to Struggle Despite 4-Game Win Streak
With Lamar Jackson appearing likely to return in Week 8, the upcoming stretch of games could make or break the season for Chicago. The Bears will take on the Ravens, Bengals, Giants, and Vikings. All four of these teams are in Chicago's weight class and have defenses capable of making life difficult on the Bears' QB. Williams' 61.7 QB rating against New Orleans just reinforces the fact that the quarterback was carried by his rushing attack and a stellar performance from the defense.
That defense created four turnovers by forcing a fumble and intercepting pass attempts from Spencer Rattler on three separate occasions. Chicago cannot count on this level of play when taking on proven veterans like Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco, as well as an impressive rookie in Jaxson Dart, over the next three weeks.
Bears fans are well aware of what their quarterback is capable of after watching the signal caller throw for nearly 300 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys four weeks ago. It was a flash of an ability that Chicago fans are desperate to see displayed with some level of consistency.
Knowing that level of promise is there makes performances like Sunday's all the more difficult to swallow as the Bears attempt to establish themselves as contenders. Williams has to be better. This isn't a secret in the Windy City; there is a level of frustration with a quarterback who has all the tools to be a top-ten option and has continued to mire himself in mediocrity.
If Chicago is serious about its playoff hopes this season, Williams needs to right the ship now and that starts with the practices leading up to the Bears' Week 8 tilt against the Ravens.