The second game against the Vikings can show how well both Caleb Williams and interim coach Thomas Brown can adjust, a key requirement for both going forward.
The game against Minnesota might indicate little about the Bears for next season in general but more specifically it carries significance for Caleb Williams and interim coach Thomas Brown.
It’s the first time they’ll get to see how Williams can perform with a second look at an opponent. It’s also an indication of how well Brown can adjust game plans and fit them to match up better against an opponent he already faced.
“Obviously we’re gonna throw in a few wrinkles, they’re gonna try to throw in a few wrinkles and things like that, and try and make us mess up, make mistakes, things like that,” Williams said. “I think it comes down to us knowing our job, doing it well, being detailed, being decisive and going out there and playing violent.”
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores last time might not have floored the gas pedal with his assorted blitzing schemes in Chicago and also because of all the short passes or screens the Bears used. Minnnesota only got to Williams for three sacks, although they did get the key one in overtime to force a punt and get the ball back for the win.
This probably won’t be the case in the dome at Minneapolis where the noise is always an ally of the blitz. Williams says the plan of attack can be a key.
Honestly the people hating on Caleb Williams went into the season with that opinion.
The dude has been fighting his ass off while being the most pressured QB in the #NFL
Yet he’s still on track for around 3500 Yds and a 3:1 TD to INT ratio. pic.twitter.com/dgf0aQ6Zci
— Irish Bears Network (@IrishBearsShow) December 11, 2024
“Being able to be decisive and being able to have answers and different answers for different plays and knowing exactly where those guys are gonna be at so I can throw with anticipation or if I know what they’re going to do, how they’re gonna do it, I can maybe hang on the route and rip it and things like that,” he said. “Being able to be decisive, knowing where guys are, knowing where my hots are, that still applies to that.”
Brown is looking to see what Williams recognizes this time, how he adjusts.
“Yeah, fresh in his mind,” Brown said. “They are still really good.
“The last two games obviously haven’t changed a whole lot. We added a couple different wrinkles.
All22 of every Caleb Williams pass and run against the 49ers last week. pic.twitter.com/bbfFt3ZSZn
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) December 12, 2024
“So just trying to figure out ways to continue to provide answers every single snap but also for him to adapt and adjust based on what we did the first game. Obviously, had some success particularly later in the fourth quarter, having those 17 points and kind of come back and give us a shot to win the football game.”
Williams went 32 of 47 for 340 yards and two TDs as the Bears rallied with 11 points in the last 22 seconds to force overtime before losing 30-27.