Caleb Williams Breaks NFL Rookie Record in Bears’ Thanksgiving Loss to Lions
In a thrilling Thanksgiving Day matchup, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears set a new NFL rookie record despite his team’s 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions. The young quarterback’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Bears.
Record-Breaking Performance
Williams surpassed Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray’s previous record of 211 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, reaching an impressive 212 attempts. This achievement highlights Williams’ growing accuracy and decision-making skills on the field.
The rookie quarterback also set a Bears franchise record for most passing touchdowns by a first-year player. These milestones showcase Williams’ potential as a future star in the NFL.
Game Highlights
Despite the loss, Williams put up solid numbers against the Lions:
- Completed 20 of 39 passes
- They threw for 256 yards
- Scored three touchdowns
- Zero interceptions
Williams’ performance kept the Bears competitive against the formidable Lions, who improved to an NFL-best 11-1 record.
Controversial Hit
Williams took a low hit from Lions linebacker Jack Campbell during the second half, which caused concern. The quarterback’s left knee buckled, but he returned to the game without missing a snap.
After the game, Williams expressed his frustration with the play: “I didn’t appreciate the play. He just kind of dove straight at my knee. So I didn’t get that. Definitely kind of frustrated about that one”.
While the hit was deemed legal since Williams was considered a runner outside the pocket, it raised questions about player safety.
Season Context
The Bears’ loss to the Lions marks their sixth consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 4-8. Despite the team’s struggles, Williams has shown improvement in recent weeks.
The change in offensive coordinators, with Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron, seems to have positively impacted Williams’ performance. Williams has averaged 285.5 passing yards per game in his last two games under Brown, a significant increase from his three-game average of 156 yards.
Looking Ahead
While playoff hopes for the Bears this season are slim, Williams’ progress offers hope for the future. The rookie quarterback has demonstrated his ability to protect the ball and make intelligent decisions under pressure.
As the Bears face a challenging schedule ahead, including two more games against the Lions and trips to San Francisco, Minnesota, and Green Bay, Williams will have ample opportunities to continue his growth and potentially break more records.
Conclusion
Caleb Williams’ record-breaking performance on Thanksgiving Day showcases his potential as a franchise quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Despite the team’s struggles, Williams’ development provides a silver lining for fans and the organization.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Williams to see how he builds on this milestone and continues to improve his game. The Bears may have found their quarterback of the future, and his journey is just beginning.