CHICAGO — Just before the Chicago Bears entered their bye week, it seemed rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was beginning to find his rhythm. The anticipation surrounding the No. 1 overall selection from the NFL draft was building, but recent performances have raised concerns as the team approaches a challenging stretch of games.

In a lackluster display against the struggling New England Patriots on Sunday, Williams faced significant adversity, being sacked nine times and managing only 120 yards through the air in a disappointing 19-3 defeat. The Bears, now standing at 4-5, converted just one of 14 attempts on third down, totaling a mere 142 yards as they suffered their third straight loss.

Williams, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on November 18, has now dropped his initial encounters with both quarterbacks drafted immediately after him: Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. In a prior defeat to Washington, Williams witnessed a last-minute Hail Mary pass from Daniels secure an 18-15 victory for the Commanders. Meanwhile, Maye propelled New England to its third win of the season against the Bears.

Prior to this downturn, Chicago had achieved a three-game winning streak. In that successful phase, Williams showcased his potential by completing 74% of his passes for 687 yards, recording seven touchdowns and only one interception. The high point during this run was a stellar performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he threw for four touchdowns in a 35-16 triumph.

Following their victory over Jacksonville on October 13, the Bears entered a bye week, but it seems that somewhere between London and Chicago, the team lost its momentum.