LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams carries himself with a relentlessly positive demeanor.
Williams walks through Halas Hall with a smile despite the Bears’ current eight-game losing streak. He has attempted to uplift those around him during a turbulent season. Even as the Bears were eliminated from postseason contention far too early, Williams pointed toward the bright future that he sees ahead.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy for Williams to handle the burden of a difficult season as the Bears sit at 4-10.
“It does affect me,” Williams said. “Losing, it’s one of those things that actually really affects me. It’s tough. But I do have the (understanding) of where I’m at in my career and where I'll be at. So, having that (understanding) is important for me, myself internally, because internally it’s tough. Internally, when tough times happen, just with human nature, it’s to do the opposite of what you’re doing or what you’ve been doing, all those different things. So, the toughest part is fighting yourself, especially when there’s tough times. So, understanding that aspect of it, and also understanding the position that I’m in. There’s a lot of growth, but there’s also a lot of progress throughout the season that has happened – throughout training camp and all of that – that has happened. So, having all that in mind, there’s a lot to be optimistic and positive about, because I’m not my best self yet, and that’s soon to come. I’m working towards that every day, and going to keep working towards that.
“In the grand scheme of it, losing — I like to win in everything I do, whether it’s cards, whether it’s playing video games with my friends, football games, we’re in battle. Anywhere in life, I try to win. When it’s not happening, you just got to find ways to keep going, like I’ve always said, find ways to keep progressing. I think that’s been my mindset, is finding those ways to keep progressing, stay optimistic, because at the end of it, whether I'm feeling down, whether I feel like I'm hurting or anything, nobody really cares. So, being able to keep growing, keep progressing, be optimistic about the good and even about the bad, because even with the bad, there’s a lot to grow from. Keep growing.”
The 23-year-old Williams has been a bright spot for the Bears in what’s otherwise been one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
Williams has thrown for 2,937 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 starts. The Bears started 4-2 before suffering a stunning loss to the Commanders on a last-second Hail Mary on Oct. 27, which began their eight-game slide.
Shortly after selecting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, Bears general manager Ryan Poles vowed to provide him structure. But Williams has been forced to endure significant change as a rookie, with the Bears firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Nov. 12 and then dismissing head coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29.
In the Bears’ 30-12 loss to the Vikings on Monday night in Minneapolis, Williams seemed physically exhausted and emotionally distraught after taking several significant hits in an eighth consecutive defeat.
Williams wasn't listed on the Bears’ injury report Wednesday. He hasn't been restricted in practice, and the team doesn't plan to shut him down as three games remain.
All Williams can do is pick himself back up and try to stay upbeat.
“This is going to sound crazy, but you talk to yourself, to be honest,” Williams said. “You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations that you say to yourself. With that, it makes the days better, it makes when you’re going through a tough patch, it makes those days a little bit easier rather than pulling yourself down, telling yourself you’re this and that.
"It sounds kind of crazy, but I tell myself certain things: ‘I am great. I will be great.’ All these different things. So, I think that’s one of the biggest things, is not pulling yourself down and being gracious with yourself.”
Injury report
Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (calf), left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion), defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) and guard Ryan Bates (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday. Running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) and defensive end Darrell Taylor (shoulder) were full participants.
The Bears held a walkthrough Wednesday, so their injury report was an estimate of a full practice. The team will conduct another walkthrough Thursday at Halas Hall.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.