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The Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams delivered his best performance of the season, leading his team to a 35-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcased his growing prowess with a near-flawless game, setting career highs in both completion percentage (79.3%) and touchdowns (four).
Williams sets record in Bears third straight win
Williams threw for 226 yards and rushed for an additional 56, demonstrating his dual-threat ability.
His standout performance helped the Bears secure their third consecutive win, improving their record to 4-2, and placing them firmly in contention within the highly competitive NFC North.
"It felt great,"Williams told reporters post-game, but he remained focused on areas for improvement.
"I think obviously, you know, we gotta keep getting better. I can't turn the ball over like that on the wide-open touchdown to DJ [Moore]. You know, a few things that are going on throughout the game that I gotta be better at, but I think the progress that we've had, it's gonna keep growing."
Despite his personal success, Williams was quick to give credit to his teammates, particularly his offensive line, wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and tight end Cole Kmet.
"Always love for the big guys and how they protect us. We wouldn't have this type of game without them," Williams added.
The rookie's performance was not only significant for this season but also historically remarkable.
He became the first Bears rookie quarterback to throw four touchdowns in an international game.
According to Stathead, this was just the third time in franchise history a rookie quarterback has accomplished the feat, the last being Cade McNown in 1999.
Bears could be a playoff team
After a slow start to the season, where Williams didn't throw for a touchdown in the first two games, he has now thrown nine touchdowns in his last four outings.
His recent surge in production has been crucial to the Bears' winning streak, raising hopes of a playoff berth in his rookie campaign.
The Bears will have a bye next week before they face the Washington Commanders on October 27.
Williams acknowledged the challenge, as Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has outperformed him in the season's early weeks.
However, with his recent form, Williams has significantly closed the gap, and the matchup in Washington is shaping up to be a critical test.
As the Bears head into their bye week, Williams' strong showing in London has injected renewed optimism into a franchise eager for postseason success.
With 1,317 ing yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions through six games, the young quarterback has put Chicago in a position many fans have long hoped for-on the cusp of a potential playoff run.
NFL fans will now wait to see if Williams can continue his upward trajectory and lead the Bears to further success as the season progresses.