Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, spoke to Kevin O’Connell on the field after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears in overtime last month
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams exchanged words of encouragement with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell as the NFC North franchise prepares to make a decision over Sam Darnold.
Williams has endured a difficult rookie season, showing flashes of his limitless potential amid a struggling Bears offense. Last month, his Bears faced the Vikings and came away 30-27 losers.
Williams enjoyed a fine performance, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns while almost leading his team to a double-digit comeback win over their division rivals. But it was Darnold, another former USC quarterback, who secured the win when he led a fine overtime drive downfield that set up the game-winning field goal.
After the game, Williams embraced O’Connell on the field. The rookie quarterback was asked about their interaction, expressing the level of respect he holds for the Vikings head coach.
“His message is just to keep going. Hell of a player, keep going, way to fight,” Williams told reporters. “He said it sucks he got to go against him for a while — he has to go against me for a while. But hell of a player. Excited to see me out there fighting, leading these guys.
“When you get a guy like him, offense and head coaching, his guys love him. A few old teammates over there that have talked about him, they love him. Met him at the draft, all these different things.”
He added: “When somebody comes over to you that is having guys, Sam Darnold even, out there balling, he’s been a great coach so far, I believe.”
Last week, the Vikings crushed the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 with Darnold throwing for 347 yards and a career-high five touchdowns to post a 157.9 rating. The 27-year-old has led the Vikings to an 11-2 record with the journeyman quarterback enjoying a phenomenal season.
Given their incredible, unexpected success, the Vikings will have a decision to make in the offseason. J.J. McCarthy, who Minnesota selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, should be healthy enough to step in as the starter, but if Darnold wins a playoff game or two, a serious conversation regarding his future will need to be had.