In Chicago, excitement filled the air after the Bears’ thrilling 25-24 comeback victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to show signs of growth, as he not only threw for 252 yards and a touchdown but also showcased his running ability with a rushing touchdown. The victory came down to a dramatic game-winning drive, where Williams completed a crucial third-down pass, paving the way for Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal.
However, not everyone was impressed with the young quarterback’s performance. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman critiqued Williams for his inaccurate throws and questionable decisions during the game. Aikman specifically pointed out a moment where Williams misread a play leading to D’Andre Swift’s significant 55-yard touchdown catch. He attributed the Bears’ win to luck, stirring up some controversy among fans and prompting them to take to social media.
Bears supporters, including Williams himself, responded to Aikman’s comments with humor and a bit of trolling. Williams mentioned, “It’s fun, fun trolls. I was messing around. Obviously, [Swift] made a great play, and we ended up victorious.” This playful exchange hints at a budding narrative surrounding the young quarterback and a legendary figure like Aikman.
Statistics back up Williams’ impressive performance thus far. In his first 20 games, he racked up 4,256 yards, 27 touchdowns, and a remarkable 90.6 quarterback rating, significantly outperforming Aikman, who had 3,366 yards and only 14 touchdowns during the same span. Williams remains particularly strong against the blitz, with six touchdowns and no interceptions when pressured.
Clearly, Caleb Williams is writing his own story in the league, and the future looks bright. While Aikman’s criticism stirred controversy, it also shows the pressure that comes with being a quarterback in the NFL, especially in Chicago, where fans hold high expectations. As the Bears continue their season, all eyes will be on how Williams develops and whether he can embody the greatness that franchises like the Bears have yearned for over the years.
