Just over two weeks ago the Chicago Bears feared their season was over after Caleb Williams went down and it appeared to be a potentially season-ending injury. Instead, Williams was not only going to return this season, but fans were prepared for a 3-4 week absence understanding that the season would still have plenty of time to be turned around. While winning wasn't impossible the Philadelphia Eagles were unquestionably favored and the New York Jets had appeared to be an incredibly tough out even if Williams were on the field.
Fast forward two weeks and both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent have wins and the Bears sit at 3-1 on the season sitting behind only the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. It has been a masterclass of coaching from Ben Johnson and taken all the pressure off Caleb Williams to push his body to return before the injury is fully healed.
No question, the past two weeks have allowed Williams the ability to make sure he is completely healthy and able to return without any risk of reinjury. This speaks to the strong system of Johnson as well as the job the Chicago front office has done putting in place two incredibly capable backup options.
It is important to note here that the offense has offered a clear ceiling without Williams in the lineup as neither Bagent or Keenum are the complete quarterback the starter is. However, both players played their role perfectly and handed Chicago the ability to take all the pressure off Williams when it comes to a potential return.
Bears back-to-back wins have taken all pressure off Caleb Williams to hurry return
While fans are still anxious to have their starter back in the lineup adding to wins leaves the season very much in hand and removes the pressure. Losing both the past two weeks would obviously have given the Bears an uphill battle and left Williams facing expectations of making a quicker return no matter where he might be when it comes to recovery.
Chicago's coaching staff clearly understood this and deserves the ultimate credit for creating the ability to take a breath. Whether it is Dennis Allen's defense playing back-to-back great games or the offense of Johnson elevating backup quarterbacks, Chicago fans should feel incredible about the state of things when it comes to current leadership.
Williams can now continue to ease his way back and make sure that there isn't any risk in a return. The franchise quarterback returning fully healthy and being the best version of himself is what gives the Bears the best chance for a potential Super Bowl run, one that seems more and more probable with each passing week.
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