The Chicago Bears are officially back in the postseason - and they’ve got their rookie quarterback to thank for it. In a season that’s been full of promise under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, Week 16 delivered the kind of moment that can define a franchise’s future. Caleb Williams didn’t just win a game against the rival Packers - he authored one of the most electric finishes Bears fans have seen in years.
Let’s set the stage: The Bears, sitting at 11-4, had already clinched a playoff berth. But with the NFC North still up for grabs, this one against Green Bay mattered - a lot.
And for much of the game, it looked like Chicago might let it slip away. Williams had his struggles early, facing pressure and missing a few throws.
But when it counted most, the No. 1 overall pick delivered in a way that only a handful of quarterbacks can.
Down late, on fourth down, with the game on the line, Williams rolled out and launched a prayer into the back of the end zone - a pass so improbable it looked like something out of a video game. Waiting for it?
Jahdae Walker, a practice squad receiver who wasn’t even on most fans' radar a few weeks ago. Touchdown.
Tie game. Overtime.
Then came the dagger. In OT, Williams found DJ Moore deep for the game-winner, a strike that sealed a 22-16 victory and sent Soldier Field into a frenzy. It was a throw that required arm strength, accuracy, and guts - all of which Williams showed in spades.
And if you’ve seen the alternate angle of that game-tying touchdown - the one from the stands at Soldier Field that’s been making the rounds on social media - you know just how wild that first throw really was. A defender in his face, no room for error, and somehow Williams threads the needle. That’s not just a highlight - that’s a signal to the rest of the league that this kid has it.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Williams is still completing just under 58% of his passes, which isn’t ideal, but he’s thrown 23 touchdowns to just six interceptions - a solid ratio for any quarterback, let alone a rookie.
What’s more impressive is how he’s grown into the role. His pocket presence has improved, he’s avoiding sacks more effectively, and he’s clearly gaining confidence in Johnson’s offense.
What makes this performance even more impressive? Williams did it without two of his top receiving targets - Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III were both out.
And while Green Bay was missing Micah Parsons, their defense still posed a legitimate threat. Williams didn’t flinch.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
For the first time since the prime Jay Cutler days, Bears fans can believe in their quarterback’s ability to carry them in big moments. That hasn’t been the case for a long time in Chicago, a city that’s seen more than its fair share of quarterback heartbreak.
But in Week 16, Williams flipped the script. He showed the poise, the arm talent, and the leadership that teams dream of when they draft a QB at the top of the board. And he did it against the Packers - the team that’s tormented the Bears for decades.
Jahdae Walker got his moment after grinding on the practice squad. DJ Moore reminded everyone why he’s a WR1.
And Caleb Williams? He looked every bit like the franchise cornerstone Chicago’s been searching for.
Playoff football is back in the Windy City. And if Week 16 is any indication, the Bears might be bringing more than just postseason appearances back - they might finally be building something special.