The Chicago Bears’ magical season ran out on Sunday night as they lost 20-17. Despite a miraculous touchdown pass by Caleb Williams with :18 left in the fourth quarter, an interception in overtime ruined the Bears’ chances of winning. Williams’ overtime interception was one of three he threw in the game. These costly turnovers led one former NFL player to blame Williams for the loss.
Why Did One Analyst Blame Caleb Williams for the Bears’ Divisional Round Loss?
Following Sunday night’s loss, Emmanuel Acho let his feelings about how Willaism played be known on the “Speakeasy” podcast. He said, ” When you throw three picks in a championship game, and not only that, but when we were there, the three picks. Y’all remember, I believe it was the first of the three picks, it was on the first drive of the game.”
“Three interceptions? You gotta put the blame on [Caleb Williams]”
– @EmmanuelAcho weighs in on Caleb Williams following the Bears’ overtime thriller against the Rams
WE ARE LIVE IN THE SPEAKEASY RIGHT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/L42TZqaYpb
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) January 19, 2026
Although Acho may have a point, blaming Williams for the loss completely is the wrong thing to do. Though throwing three interceptions will never contribute to a win, Chicago would not have been in the game without Williams. There are maybe only two other quarterbacks in the NFL who could have made the throw he made to tie the game.
In addition, Chicago’s execution on fourth down and drop issues played a factor in the loss. The Bears finished the day 3 of 6 on fourth down, with Williams’ first interception coming on fourth down on the opening drive. Head coach Ben Johnson passed on a chip-shot field goal, which led to the interception. Yaking the points on that drive may have meant the Bears would have been up 20-17 after Williams’ miraculous touchdown pass.
Moreover, Bears’ receivers weren’t helping Williams with drops all throughout the game. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland, who has been sure-handed during the second half of the season, had multiple drops, as did other receivers.
That said, throwing an interception on the first and last drive of the game is not a good look for Williams. Putting a positive spin on the situation, Williams will learn from these mistakes and come back better next season. As for now, though, Acho putting the blame on Williams for the divisional round loss to the Los Angeles Rams carries some validity.
