The Chicago Bears got exactly what they needed in Week 6: Caleb Williams back under center and looking sharp right away.
After getting blown out by the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 on Oct. 11, Chicago answered with a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, and Williams’ return was the biggest reason why. The quarterback missed time with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2, but in his first game back he helped set the tone for a much-needed rebound.
Dan Parr of the NFL’s official website called Williams “ultra-efficient,” and the numbers back that up. Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown, finishing with an 83% completion rate. Parr noted that it was the "highest in a game by a Bears QB to attempt at least 30 passes in franchise history."
Chicago was in control early. Parr pointed out that Ben Johnson’s team was “blown out in Green Bay” the week before, but on Sunday the Bears “dominated for most of the game.” They outgained the Falcons 154-3 in the first quarter and jumped out to a 14-0 lead with Williams setting the tone.
Atlanta did push back in the fourth quarter, but the comeback came up short.
Williams also showed he could still make things happen outside the pocket, even if the rushing totals were modest. He ran four times for 3 yards, but Parr said his ability to extend plays with his legs was on full display, easing any concern that the Bears might be getting a limited version of their franchise quarterback after the injury.
It wasn’t a clean outing from Chicago, though. The Bears were flagged 12 times, a number that stands out. Still, with Williams back and playing at a high level, the result was the kind of lift this team needed heading into the next stretch of games.
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