Caleb Williams just did something only two other quarterbacks in history have ever done. He threw his 50th career touchdown pass while throwing only 14 interceptions. This rare feat puts the young Bears star in the same room as Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. The milestone happened on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with a 14-yard strike to Colston Loveland.
A hamstring injury sustained during Week 2 caused Williams to sit out three games. His return to the field was a huge boost for Chicago. According to Windy City Gridiron, his career regular-season record stands at 50 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions across 37 games. That ratio is the kind of number that makes scouts drool and fans believe in the future.
Emotion Drives the Effort
Williams has always been a player who shows his heart on the field. He explained his frustration after leaving the game against Minnesota in Week 2. He told FOX Sports, “I’m always going to show emotion, especially when I can’t be out there with the guys when something like that happens.” That raw feeling is what separates him from a robot who just throws the ball.
The Bears need that passion to win in a tight NFC North race. The team is currently tied for second place with a 3-2 record. A loss to the Falcons would hurt their standing badly. Williams knows the stakes. He said, “I care, and that’s the biggest thing. This is what I love to do. This puts a smile on my face. It’s everything to me. And so not being able to be out there was frustrating.”
Back In the Fold
Getting back on the field was not easy for Williams. He missed practice reps and game time with his teammates. Adam Schefter stated that Williams is slated to start in Week 6 versus the Atlanta Falcons. Prior to the game, he took part fully in all practices throughout the week. The team plans to limit his running to protect his healing hamstring.
Chicago’s offense looked different without him. Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent started the games he missed. The team went 2-1 without their starter, but the offense lacked its spark. Williams rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns before the injury. Now he returns to a team that needs his arm talent to beat the Falcons.
Ben Johnson will have to manage Williams carefully. The coach might lean on screen passes to keep him safe. But the ability to throw deep and move the chains is what Williams brings. He has a different dynamic than his predecessors. He is willing to run the football when the play breaks down.
This milestone proves Williams is on a historic path. Only Mahomes and Jackson have reached 50 touchdowns with fewer than 15 picks. If Williams stays healthy, he could lead the Bears to the playoffs.