LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — As he rolled toward the west sideline at Soldier Field last Sunday, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams operated with composure, even as doubt existed about where the play was headed. He stepped to his back foot and fired the ball toward the back of the end zone, some 37 yards away.
It had to be a throwaway, right? Not with Williams. There was Bears receiver DJ Moore, who hauled in a football that was perfectly delivered to split two Browns defenders. It was a preposterous 22-yard touchdown pass that even Bears head coach Ben Johnson couldn't believe.
“I would say 99% of the quarterbacks, you tell them don't even waste your time looking back there and trying to make that throw,” Johnson said.
The play was arguably the most spectacular one of the 24-year-old Williams’ young NFL career, which has featured 41 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in 31 starts. The Bears believe there’s much more to come.
On Saturday evening, the Bears (10-4) will host the rival Packers (9-4-1) at Soldier Field with first place in the NFC North and high stakes in the playoff race on the line. It will also mark the most important game for Williams since he was selected at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in April 2024.
With a victory, the Bears would all but officially clinch a playoff berth and would also be in the driver's seat to land one of the top two seeds in the NFC, which would set them up favorably for the postseason.
Williams will need to be at his best on Saturday as the eyes of Chicago and the nation watch the pivotal game. As Johnson once said, teams are defined by how they finish, not how they start. The same goes for players like Williams, whose second NFL season will be remembered by this final stretch.
He certainly isn’t shy about the grand stage.
"All quarterbacks have a little bit of an arrogant confidence in themselves,” Williams said. “Because when everything is going wrong, it’s all them. I think I have a little bit of that in me. So, my confidence is always strong. I believe in myself. I believe in who I am. I believe in my work. And then having the group around me only strengthens that for me. It’s always strength in numbers. It's always us. With that being said, my confidence has grown and it’s going to be through the roof."
In 14 games this season, Williams has thrown for 3,150 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has showcased growth in his first season working under Johnson's guidance. There’s also plenty that Williams still needs to improve this season. Johnson has been harping on improving smaller details that have led to Williams' underwhelming 58% completion rate.
The Bears believe Williams is on track toward becoming a franchise quarterback. Now comes a series of defining tests.
As the toughest games await, Williams needs to be the reason why the Bears are winning games, not just a part of their success. He needs to do what franchise quarterbacks do so often — lead victories of great consequence.
Williams has led comeback victories this season and flashed his potential for greatness, but what will ultimately define his career are nights like this coming Saturday at Soldier Field.
Williams needs to be the one leading the Bears to success in the biggest moments.
Emma’s prediction (9-5): Bears 27, Packers 23
Williams will lead the Bears to a late go-ahead touchdown to secure a thrilling win over the rival Packers and position his team well in the playoff picture.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.