LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears quarterback Caleb Williams didn't take offense to criticism from Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN color analyst Troy Aikman on the Monday Night Football broadcast of Chicago's 25-24 win at Washington.
Aikman had a series of critiques of Williams' performance in the Bears' victory, including a comment during the first quarter that he was “off” and citing "luck" as a factor in Williams' 55-yard touchdown pass to running back D'Andre Swift in the fourth quarter. On Tuesday, Williams referenced that in an Instagram post.
“It’s fun,” Williams said. “Fun trolls. I was messing around. Yeah, D’Andre made a great play and obviously he had some stuff to say about us or me and, I mean, we came out victorious in the end. Made a little fun moment of it. That was about it.
“Fair, not, life isn’t fair. People are going to say what they have to say. We win, we lose, people have stuff to say. It was lucky, it was not lucky. People have stuff to say. Have a bad game, have a good game, people have stuff to say. It doesn’t matter. We’re only worried about what’s going on here within this building and with these guys.
“We’re 3-2 versus a very good team, as all of us know. Everyone has things to say. That’s great. Like I said, I could (not) care less. We’re 3-2.”
Williams didn't conduct a typical production meeting with Aikman leading up to the game. Williams was at Halas Hall working late when they initially were going to have a conversation. When he attempted to call Aikman later, they didn't connect.
Williams was 17-of-29 for 252 yards and a touchdown in the win Monday. The Bears offense posted 381 total yards in the victory.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson noticed Aikman’s commentary while watching the broadcast version of the game at home Tuesday morning. He sees it as a source of motivation moving forward.
“Everyone is going to have their own opinion on us as a team and each player, each coach individually,” Johnson said. “You do your best to block the outside noise. We know what we’re building here. We’re starting to believe in each other. The more time that we get together, I feel that, I feel it building, and I think that’s the most important thing. Ultimately, you do want the respect of your peers in particular, the people you’re working with, and I think that trickles outside the building as well with how you compete and what you put on the tape as well.
“But at the same time, we’re more concerned about what we’re doing on a daily basis and what we’re doing for each other.”
The Bears don't have any more Monday Night Football games on their schedule, though the matchups late in the season are subject to flex scheduling. ESPN/ABC also carries two playoff games.
The Bears (3-2) will host the Saints (1-5) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.