Despite the Chicago Bears’ seven-game losing streak, his individual stats and flashes of brilliance have kept him within arm’s length of the conversation.
However, the 38-13 thrashing by the San Francisco 49ers not only extended the Bears’ skid but should also significantly hamper Williams’ chances of closing the gap on frontrunners Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix in the race for OROY honors.
A Historic First Half Embarrassment
The game against the 49ers highlighted all the shortcomings of a Bears team in turmoil. Chicago was outgained 319-4 yards in the first half, marking one of the most lopsided performances in recent NFL history.
Interim head coach Thomas Brown’s squad looked outmatched, and the 49ers capitalized on their deficiencies. Williams completed 17 of 34 passes for 134 yards and two second-half touchdowns, but his performance lacked the dynamism needed to salvage his Rookie of the Year case.
The quarterback shouldered the blame, acknowledging the team’s struggles:
“We got our [butt] kicked today, and there’s no way around it,”
Williams admitted after the game.
“We got it handed to us. Offense, defense, special teams — we have to come out and be better.”
Caleb Williams’ Case: Flashes of Talent, Lack of Results
Williams’ statistical line wasn’t terrible — he posted a 116.9 passer rating and avoided turnovers — but the context matters. His inability to produce in the first half, combined with the Bears’ abysmal offensive output, negated any positives from his late-game numbers.
The lack of protection was another factor, as Williams has now been sacked 56 times this season — the most by a Bears quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Those struggles have prevented him from generating the kind of highlight-reel moments needed to leapfrog the likes of Daniels and Nix.
The OROY race appears to be slipping out of Williams’ grasp. Daniels (-220) is the clear frontrunner after his efficient three-touchdown performance in Week 13, while Nix (+180) remains a legitimate contender as he leads the Denver Broncos on a playoff push.
Williams, whose odds plummeted to +6000 heading into this latest loss, faces an uphill battle with just four games remaining. While his streak of seven consecutive starts without an interception is commendable, it pales in comparison to Daniels’ consistent dominance and Nix’s clutch performances during Denver’s winning streak.
An Uphill Battle Against Tough Competition
Making matters worse, the Bears’ remaining schedule offers little reprieve. With matchups against playoff-bound teams like the Vikings, Lions, Seahawks, and Packers, Chicago is projected to finish the season on an 11-game losing streak.
Each of these defenses presents a formidable challenge for Williams, who must not only deliver statistically but also lead his team to improbable victories to regain any traction in the OROY race.
While Williams has showcased moments of brilliance throughout his rookie season, the 49ers’ rout underscores the massive gap between potential and production. As the Bears continue their downward spiral, Williams’ Rookie of the Year hopes have faded, leaving him with a nearly insurmountable task in the final weeks.
To re-enter the conversation, Williams would need a series of breakout performances, akin to his early-season success, coupled with stumbles from Daniels and Nix. Otherwise, his promising rookie campaign will be overshadowed by the Bears’ struggles, serving as a cautionary tale about the challenges of excelling as a young quarterback on a rebuilding team.
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