Caleb Williams has faced a challenging rookie season with the Chicago Bears, and critics say the quarterback hasn’t done enough to mask his frustration.
After starting the season 3-2, the Bears have suffered eight consecutive losses heading into Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. In Monday night’s 30-12 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, Williams endured a physically punishing game. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman even described the No. 1 overall pick as looking “defeated.” Williams appeared visibly shaken after a hard hit in the second half, at one point lying sideways on the bench, which drew attention on social media.
Observers have pointed out that this isn’t the first time Williams has displayed such body language under pressure, citing similar instances during his college career at Oklahoma and USC. A notable example was when Williams famously climbed into the stands to cry in his mother’s arms after USC’s loss to Washington.
Although Williams’ demeanor on Monday night seemed to stem from physical pain, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho criticized his reaction. On FS1’s The Facility, Acho expressed his frustration: “Caleb, you’re not a damsel in distress. We don’t feel sorry for you. This is the National Football League. Caleb Williams’ body language is not just concerning—it’s irritating. He seems to expect sympathy. Yes, he took a hard hit, but we’ve all been there. Why lie on the bench like someone’s going to rescue you? No one is coming to save you, Caleb.”
Recently, Williams also made a disheartening comment about the Bears’ struggles this season. He has been sacked 58 times and hit over 90, ranking only behind Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes in quarterback hits. While the toll on his body is undeniable, enduring physical punishment is part of being an NFL quarterback.
To succeed in the league, learning to handle adversity is crucial. While Williams has faced plenty of losses this season, some argue he needs to show more resilience and composure when things aren’t going his way.
