LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has reaffirmed his confidence in general manager Ryan Poles, despite the team currently grappling with a seven-game losing streak. Williams believes Poles is the right leader to help turn the franchise around. “The amount that he cares about us, the Chicago Bears and wanting to win is why my faith is in him and believing in him and making sure that we get it right,” Williams stated on Thursday. “That’s my short answer to it.”
Entering their upcoming game against Minnesota (11-2), the Bears (4-9) likely did not anticipate falling into this dire situation. With high hopes for a playoff contention ignited by several impactful offseason moves, including selecting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, expectations were high. After beginning the season strong with three consecutive wins and a 4-2 record going into their bye week, they have since faced a disheartening string of losses.
Following a dismal 19-3 defeat to New England in Week 10, Chicago made a significant coaching change, letting go of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and promoting Thomas Brown from his position as passing game coordinator. Although Williams appeared to regain some of his early-season success, the Bears’ losing streak continued unabated.
In a historic move for the franchise, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus after a Thanksgiving loss against Detroit, marking the first time in their history that they dismissed a head coach mid-season. The team’s failure to secure an opportunity for a tying field goal late in that game, despite having a timeout remaining, was yet another chapter in a series of poor late-game decisions.
With Brown now stepping in as interim coach, the Bears suffered a crushing 38-13 loss at San Francisco last week. Williams struggled, throwing for a mere 134 yards, securing two touchdowns only in the final moments of the game, and enduring seven sacks, a significant decline compared to his earlier performances this season. The challenges ahead appear formidable, especially with the Vikings on a six-game winning streak, which includes a dramatic overtime victory at Soldier Field in Week 12 where the Bears managed to score 11 points in the last 22 seconds of regulation.
During his time at Oklahoma and Southern California, Williams experienced only 10 losses total over three seasons. This week, the Bears are in a position to match that number if they do not break their current losing streak. “There’s belief — belief, hope and faith — that we’re going to get this right and however it may happen, that’s how it’s going to happen,” Williams conveyed. “That’s kind of where I’m at with it. They drafted me here to go win games.”
Williams emphasized that his connection with Poles has deepened, and his trust in the general manager remains strong. He acknowledged the impactful acquisitions made during the offseason, highlighting additions such as six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, No. 9 overall draft pick Rome Odunze, and running back D’Andre Swift. “Keep going on with a list of people. He’s done a good job,” Williams remarked.
In other updates, running backs Roschon Johnson (concussion) and D’Andre Swift (groin), guard Ryan Bates (concussion), and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) would not have participated in a regular practice if it weren’t a walk-through. Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) would have been limited. Johnson missed the previous game, while Bates and Hicks have been sidelined for the last three games.
