The Chicago Bears shouldn't have won on Sunday against the New York Giants. In previous years, they wouldn't have. Yet it was through the efforts of quarterback Caleb Williams that it happened. He overcame six dropped passes and other mistakes to lead two touchdown drives with under five minutes left to steal the game. It was a masterful performance that the numbers don't do nearly enough justice. Much of it came from his superb physical talent, ripping accurate throws and taking off for long runs.
However, new video footage from the Bears' YouTube channel reveals a young quarterback who found his voice as a leader. That was on display in a big way during the team's first touchdown march of the 4th quarter. Trailing 20-10, the Bears had 91 yards to go. Williams got things going with an early scramble. All the while, he's shouting at teammates, pumping them up, fueling the sense of urgency. Somebody needed to do their job and make a play. They would score.
Sure enough, a few plays later, Williams took off for a 29-yard run and then threw a touchdown on the next play to Odunze. His exhausted reaction said it all.
Caleb Williams willed his team to a win.
That is what they talk about. Physical talent only gets you so far. A great quarterback must inspire belief in teammates. Belief in him and belief that they will win the football game if everybody does their part. Everybody in the huddle responded. Cole Kmet made some fantastic blocks. Odunze and Colston Loveland made big catches. Darnell Wright shut down New York's best pass rusher. Caleb Williams took care of the rest.
It is moments like that where you begin to understand that all the pre-draft talk about his leadership ability was nonsense. Williams had a reputation for being selfish and disinterested in the team's overall success. Players in the locker room insisted that wasn't true. This is merely the latest proof that Williams is genuine. He's willing to put it all on the line to win games. It is only fair that he expects the same from his teammates.
