Caleb Williams stunned after Bears' 7-game losing streak
The Chicago Bears' current seven-game losing streak has been an eye-opening experience for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. His words reveal the unfamiliarity of sustained defeat.
Williams, the first overall draft pick, arrived in Chicago with massive expectations after a stellar college career at USC. He quickly became the centerpiece of the Bears' hopes, winning four of his first six starts and showing early promise.
Williams addressed the media during a press conference on Thursday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois. He candidly discussed the team's challenging season and the ongoing losing streak.
"I've never had a streak like this of losing in my playing (experience),"Williams said. "So I ask questions. I do understand that this is, one, my first time being a part of something like this, of losing and this streak going."
The Bears have endured a significant downturn after a promising 4-2 start. They've lost seven consecutive games — a period that has already cost the jobs of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Caleb Williams learning through adversity
Caleb Williams has shown remarkable resilience during this challenging stretch. Impressively, the Bears are the only team to go on a seven-game losing streak without committing multiple turnovers in any loss since 1933.
His statistical improvements tell a compelling story of growth. Since Thomas Brown took over as interim head coach, Williams' performance has dramatically improved:
- - QBR increased from 40 to 70
- - Completion percentage rose from 61% to 66%
- - Yards per attempt jumped from 6.1 to 6.9
- The touchdown-to-interception ratio transformed from 9-5 to 7-0
The rookie has set a historic marker with 255 consecutive pass attempts without an interception — the longest streak by a rookie in NFL history.
Williams has been sacked 56 times this season, tied with Tim Couch for the third-most by a rookie quarterback since 1963.
"Not getting results is tough," Williams explained. "Being able to respond and being able to get up and do it again and again shows consistency, shows how tough you are."
Veterans like Jaylon Johnson and Cole Kmet have been crucial in helping Williams navigate this difficult period. Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining professional pride;
"You play for your name. Your resume is still out there."
Caleb Williams' journey represents more than statistics. It's a testament to his leadership, adaptability, and commitment to growth during a challenging rookie season.