Can Caleb Williams Revive a Rivalry?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers last season in their final game of the regular season. This would not only snap the Bears’ 10-game losing streak for the season, but also an 11-game losing streak against their biggest rival. Quarterback Caleb Williams would lead a game-winning drive to get them into field goal range, after a couple of big throws to keep the game alive. The Bears hadn’t won a game at Lambeau Field since 2015, which was led by quarterback Jay Cutler. With a win that would make the fans in Chicago look forward to the future of the rookie quarterback, they also now ask a looming question. Can Williams make the rivalry competitive again?
While the win was exciting, quarterback Jordan Love was unable to play most of the game, dealing with an injury. He would be benched during the game, mainly out of precaution for his playoff game the following week. Nevertheless, Williams still would lead his team to give them an opportunity to win the game, something he would accomplish many times during the season. Williams would throw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in his rookie season. This statline would come with many coaching changes throughout the season, many in which affected Williams development as a new player in the league. He would prove himself to the city of Chicago as a tough player who would always give his team an opportunity to win.
In his two games against the Packers last season, Williams would throw for 379 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. While it wasn’t flashy, it was an impressive performance against a rival that had a great season and would get themselves into the playoffs. There would also be a long list of Bears quarterbacks who would struggle playing in the environment of Lambeau Field throughout the years. With a brand new coach in Ben Johnson at the helm for the Bears, Williams will now have the opportunity to develop much quicker. Johnson has already revamped the offensive line, something Williams would have struggled with all of last year. The Bears and Williams will meet the Packers once again in Lambeau, in a Week 14 matchup for the 2025 NFL season.
