Caleb Williams shines as Chicago Bears trample Jacksonville Jaguars in London
North London was a burst of orange (with a hint of blue) as the Chicago Bears reignited their connection with British supporters, delivering an impressive win over a lackluster Jacksonville Jaguars team in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
In a showdown between two former No. 1 overall draft picks, Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback for the Bears, outperformed Trevor Lawrence, who was the Jaguars' top pick in 2021. Williams threw four touchdown passes and gained 58 rushing yards, playing a crucial role in his team's victory. Beyond his impressive stats, the 22-year-old impressed the 60,000 fans in attendance with his ability to adapt on the field and the precision of his throws, further highlighting why he is considered a standout talent for the future.
Lawrence threw two touchdown passes and accumulated 234 passing yards. While many of his 23 completions were straightforward, the Tennessee native with shoulder-length hair showed he has the potential to be a franchise player. However, he’s part of a team that is struggling significantly and is losing confidence. The loss drops the Jaguars to a record of 1-5, leaving them at the bottom of the AFC South standings.
The Jaguars are still dedicated to hosting games in London annually, although discussions about establishing a London franchise have quieted down. On the other hand, this was the Bears' first game in the UK in five years. However, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had a vibe reminiscent of Soldier Field due to the large number of Bears fans present. The game program featured an extensive article on William "the Refrigerator" Perry and his time with the London Monarchs, which might have stirred up some nostalgia among fans. Additionally, there was a notable traveling fan base supporting the Bears. Overall, their enthusiasm was loud, colorful, and everywhere. In contrast, the Jaguars' fan presence was minimal or almost nonexistent, highlighting the peculiarities of expanding sports internationally.
The Jaguars reached London later than expected due to travel disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton. On the other hand, the Bears had been settled in Hertfordshire for a week. There’s some discussion about how NFL teams should handle the journey to London, but Bears head coach Matt Eberflus mentioned that their time in the UK acted as an effective mid-season training camp. This preparation was evident during the game, as several intricate plays unfolded while Williams worked on establishing connections with his new teammates.
The crucial turning points occurred just before halftime when Williams made a careless interception that he regretted. He recognized how that mistake had the potential to change the flow of the game, and it certainly frustrated him. However, the Bears’ defense quickly showed its reliability, bouncing back right away to regain control of the ball. They pushed back down the field, leading to the pivotal third touchdown.
Williams secured the play with a powerful 25-yard throw down the middle, landing perfectly in the hands of Keenan Allen, whom he affectionately refers to as his “older brother.” This marked the wide receiver's first touchdown with the Bears, and he joyfully celebrated by hosting a tea party with his teammates in the end zone, complete with pinkies raised as they enjoyed their imaginary tea.
Eberflus expressed satisfaction with Williams's performance and his interaction with teammates, stating, "We believe today was a positive move forward. Although we hope for steady improvement, that's not always the case. What really distinguishes him is his eagerness to learn and desire to improve. He understands that this year is crucial for his development in the sport."
"He has always had the talent, but he's currently getting a handle on our style of play and the specific skills we use. Our team possesses a diverse range of abilities, and we need to make the most of that. He's doing well in this regard."
