Bears’ Williams Impressed by Passing Game Despite Loss, Plans to ‘Keep Slinging’

INDIANAPOLIS – In a surprising performance, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams found himself reflecting on his T passing stats after the Chicago Bears’ close 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. When informed he had thrown the ball 52 times, Williams responded, “Jeez.”

This high volume of throws resulted in a record-setting day for the Bears. Williams completed 33 of his 52 attempts, amassing 363 yards alongside two touchdowns and two interceptions, achieving an 80.8 passer rating. For context, the first overall pick had managed just 267 passing yards over the first two games of the season.

Despite facing a Colts defense that had conceded an average of 237 rushing yards per game in their earlier matches, the Bears struggled to establish their ground game in Indianapolis. They managed only 63 rushing yards on 28 carries, averaging a scant 2.3 yards per attempt, while recording just four rushing first downs throughout the game.

The Bears’ struggles were exemplified in a crucial series late in the first half. Trailing 7-0, Chicago embarked on a lengthy 16-play drive that covered 53 yards but ended in disappointment. From within the Colts’ 4-yard line, the Bears attempted to run the ball five consecutive times but failed to score. Ultimately, they opted for an option play on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with just 1:46 remaining in the second quarter.

Under duress from a unexpected defensive scheme, Williams rolled to the left and pitched the ball to running back D’Andre Swift. Unfortunately, Swift was tackled by Indianapolis defensive end Tyquan Lewis, resulting in a 12-yard loss. Williams expressed his frustrations, stating, “It is frustrating. We were that close, and you get four attempts right there. Not getting in those moments is definitely frustrating.” He acknowledged the impressive nature of the drive but emphasized the importance of finishing successfully.

Tight end Cole Kmet echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a stronger collective mentality in short-yardage situations. “It’s a mindset shift,” he noted. “We need to have that attitude of finishing in those moments.” Kmet believes that no matter the play called, the offensive line should be able to push through and secure a few crucial yards to score.

Williams eventually recorded his first NFL passing touchdown in the fourth quarter, connecting with rookie Rome Odunze for a 1-yard catch. Just two drives later, he threw to Kmet for another touchdown, both coming while the Bears were trailing by two scores.

The rookie quarterback showed optimism regarding the offense’s development, suggesting that their identity is evolving. “I believe we’re getting closer to where we want to be,” he said. “I do whatever the team needs, whether that means throwing 50 times or completing nine out of ten passes.” Williams acknowledged the importance of minimizing turnovers regardless of the volume of attempts.

Despite the high passing volume, the Bears’ offense still faced challenges, particularly in creating explosive plays. More than half of Williams’ completions—18 out of 33—were shorter passes, thrown five yards or fewer. He struggled on deeper throws, completing only 4 of 14 for 137 yards and an interception on attempts of 15 or more yards, according to ESPN Research.

Through three games, Williams has now thrown a total of 29 off-target passes, with 11 occurring in this game alone. This inconsistency could hinder the Bears’ offensive productivity as they push to define themselves in the league.

Wide receiver DJ Moore, who had eight receptions for 78 yards, reinforced the need for the team to solidify their offensive identity. He expressed that finding solutions quickly remains a priority. “Whatever gets us a win,” Moore stated. “We’ve got to figure out our identity – like, now – for the sake of the team.” The Bears are left searching for consistency and a winning formula as they move forward.