HOUSTON (AP) — Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense were able to pull off a win over Tennessee in their opener last week thanks to scoring from defense and special teams.
The first overall pick in this year’s draft was not so lucky on Sunday night against the Houston Texans.
Williams completed 23 of 37 passes for 174 yards with two interceptions in a 19-13 defeatHe was fired seven times.
He was asked what bothered him most that evening.
“We didn’t win and we didn’t perform as well as we needed to as a team,” Williams said. “I threw two interceptions myself. That’s not something I did or something I do. I think those are the things that frustrate me the most. We didn’t perform as well as we needed to. We’re going to continue to improve. I’m a young guy and it’s a long season.”
The loss came after the Bears failed to score a touchdown on offense last week, but overcame a 17-point deficit with a 24-17 win on the back of a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown and an interception return that yielded another point.
On Sunday night, Williams struggled and was under a lot of pressure for much of the game. The Bears scored their first offensive touchdown of the season on a 2-yard run by Khalil Herbert just before halftime, cutting Houston’s lead to 13-10.
But the Bears only managed one field goal for the rest of the game, as Williams intercepted both passes after halftime, securing the win for Houston.
“He was able to avoid the rush a couple of times and get to the perimeter, but then he has to be careful with the football when he gets out there,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “So there were some great learning moments for him.”
While much of the criticism of Chicago’s offensive deficiencies was attributed to Williams, Eberflus was quick to point out that the rest of the team needed to help him more, and was disappointed that his team was only able to rush for 71 yards.
“I think everyone has to be protected – the tight ends, the offensive line, the runners, the quarterback, everyone involved,” he said. “And obviously we have to run the ball better than we have in the past. We also have to establish the running game better than we have in the past, because if you can do that, that’s always a good friend for a young quarterback.”
Williams and Houston quarterback CJ Stroud, who was selected second in the draft last year, talked a bit after the game. The last AP Offensive Rookie of the Year shared some of what he had told Williams.
“Everything that got you here will benefit you in the long run,” Stroud told Williams. “Don’t get discouraged and don’t let the tough times discourage you. It’s not going to be easy, but you were picked No. 1 for a reason because they trust you and believe in you. I’m sure he’ll get better as time goes on.”
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