LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has seen a lot early in his first NFL season.
Williams has led the Bears amid offensive breakthroughs and prolonged struggles. He has guided his team to a three-game winning streak and now amid a four-game slide. He's on his second play-caller of the season just 10 games into his career.
No matter what comes his way, Williams vows to be the same person.
"There’s going to be rough times, rough patches over the long, healthy career that I hopefully have,” Williams said Wednesday. “And that’s not going to change my mindset, nor is it going to change it now.
“Being able to be consistent throughout the weeks of practice, film and all of the above, I think it leads to a consistent path. I just have to stay on that path and keep going."
Williams, who turned 23 on Tuesday, is moving on to what’s next for himself and the Bears after their devastating 20-19 loss to the rival Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field. Now, it’s another NFC North foe coming to Chicago.
The Bears (4-6) will host the Vikings (8-2) at noon CT on Sunday in what could be the greatest test of Williams’ rookie season. He'll face a Minnesota team that ranks fourth in scoring defense and 10th in total defense.
Most notably, the Vikings will pose a daunting challenge for Williams with their pressure. They're third in the NFL in sacks (35) and first in pressure rate at 29.6%.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is an aggressive play-caller, and he'll be raring to go against a rookie quarter in Williams.
“Obviously, you know he’s going to blitz you,” Williams said of Flores. “He’s the king of Cover-0 blitz and finding a bunch of different ways to do it.”
Williams has been sacked 41 times this season, more than any other NFL quarterback. The Bears’ offensive line has dealt with significant attrition through 10 games. Chicago has utilized 12 different offensive linemen to protect Williams.
Only center Coleman Shelton has been healthy and played every snap on offense alongside Williams. Shelton will serve as the caddie for Williams in their test against the Flores-led Vikings defense.
“I mean, it all starts in practice,” Shelton said. “They bring a lot of blitzes, they give us a lot of looks. So, communication is key to making sure everybody is on the same page. Really, when it comes down to a complicated defense, that’s all it is. Making sure we’re all on the same page so we can play fast, go on the other side of the ball and be aggressive.”
The Bears made considerable strides Sunday under new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown's direction. He assumed his role on Nov. 12 following the Bears' firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Against the Packers, the Bears posted 391 yards of offense and snapped a touchdown drought that had reached 25 series. During a 19-3 loss to New England one week earlier — Waldron's last game with the team — Chicago’s offense bottomed out with just 142 yards.
Williams was 23-of-31 for 231 yards this past Sunday. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass – or an interception – during the Bears’ current four-game losing streak.
Amid their struggles, the Bears are looking to Williams to lead. He was voted a team captain before ever taking an NFL snap, and that wasn't a symbolic gesture.
“He’s a leader on this team,” Shelton said. “What he does is he tries to go out there and prove it every day. And he shows us that he’s with us, and it gives everybody confidence and everybody is able to feed off that. Really, he’s mature, and he’s making strides every week. That’s the goal.
“He’s handled it great. The way I always see it, you’re only a rookie until that first snap. And then once you play that play, you’re just like everybody else.”
In looking to respond after their latest heartbreaking loss, the Bears have found positives in their loss to the Packers. They hope to build upon what worked as a challenge looms against the Vikings on Sunday.
Williams is leaning on a few key characteristics in leading the Bears forward.
“Communication, I think the attitude and I think us just going out there and being on the details, for myself and for the whole team," Williams said. “I think those three things would be huge for us for this run that we’re going to go on.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.