Caleb Williams Gets a Message from Chicago’s Mayor-and a Reminder of What’s at Stake
As the Bears gear up for their NFC Divisional Round showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, quarterback Caleb Williams got a little extra motivation from an unexpected source: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Speaking at a public ceremony on Friday, Mayor Johnson didn’t hold back with his request for the rookie QB.
“I just need the Bears to score in the first half. Hey Caleb, I need at least three touchdowns in the first quarter,” Johnson said with a smile.
It was a lighthearted moment, but it underscored something that’s been on the minds of Bears fans all season-this team has made a habit of starting slow and finishing fast. And while that resilience has made for some thrilling finishes, it’s also a dangerous game to play in January.
The Bears' Comeback Habit
Chicago’s Wild Card win over the Packers was the latest chapter in their season-long comeback story. Down 21-3 at halftime, the Bears roared back with 25 fourth-quarter points to stun Green Bay 31-27. It was their seventh fourth-quarter comeback win of the year, tying an NFL record that dates back to 1983.
That’s a testament to Caleb Williams’ poise under pressure. The rookie has shown time and again that he’s built for big moments. But even he would probably admit it’s not a sustainable formula-especially not against a battle-tested Rams team.
The Rams come in with the NFL’s top-ranked offense and a defense that, while ranked 17th overall, is more than capable of capitalizing on early mistakes. Fall behind early against Matthew Stafford and company, and the climb back becomes a lot steeper.
Williams by the Numbers
Williams wrapped up the regular season with strong numbers: 330 completions on 568 attempts for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. In his playoff debut last week, he went 24-for-48 for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. It wasn’t perfect, but when it mattered most, he delivered.
That’s been the story of his rookie campaign-growing pains early, flashes of brilliance late. And while the Bears have ridden that wave to an 11-6 record and an NFC North title, the stakes are higher now. There’s no margin for error in the Divisional Round.
A Heavyweight Matchup at Soldier Field
Sunday’s game at Soldier Field is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend. The Bears, with their flair for the dramatic and a quarterback who’s maturing in real time, face a Rams squad that’s been here before.
Stafford, who led the league with 46 touchdown passes this season, is playing some of the best football of his career. He capped off the Rams’ 12-5 regular season with a clutch game-winning drive in the Wild Card round, hitting Colby Parkinson for the go-ahead score with just 38 seconds left to beat the Panthers 34-31.
This game will be a clash of styles: the Rams’ high-powered offense versus the Bears’ late-game magic. But if Chicago wants to keep dancing, they’ll need to flip the script and come out firing early. No more waiting until the fourth quarter to get rolling.
Mayor Johnson may have said it with a grin, but he’s not wrong-three first-quarter touchdowns would go a long way.