The Green Bay Packers have a crucial divisional matchup with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and that means facing a much-improved quarterback, Caleb Williams.
After four consecutive losing seasons, the Bears are 9-3 through 11 games, with the best record in the NFC.
Williams is in his second year in the NFL, and Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur has seen drastic improvement in his game.
Why Will Caleb Williams Be Difficult To Defend?
The Bears’ quarterback struggled in his rookie year, as did the Bears as a whole. Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times, and rarely ever had a chance in the pocket.
However, the Bears went out this offseason to improve their offensive line, and it worked.
Williams has only been sacked 19 times through 11 games in 2025, and not only has Williams played better, but the team’s record proves it. With time in the pocket, the Bears’ young quarterback has had more opportunities to show the talents that led him to being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“He’s done a great job. He’s kind of like a magician back there in terms of his capability,” LaFleur said. “Getting ready for some of these games, and watching the crossover tape – just how he’s able to avoid sacks and just negative play situations has been pretty impressive.”
Williams captured the football world at USC with his ability to extend plays and make unbelievable throws. That combination of speed, elusiveness, and his arm talent is the reason he was the top draft pick last year.
“He’s obviously a very strong guy. I think he’s got great quickness and speed as well. He’s a real, true dual-threat kind of guy in regards to his ability to move the sticks with his legs or make those off-schedule plays,” LaFleur said. “There’s not a throw on the field he can’t make.”
Williams’ turnovers have also been a big improvement this season. The Bears quarterback has thrown just four interceptions this season, which ranks No. 15 in the NFL, according to PFSN’s QB Impact.
However, the Bears’ five total team interceptions rank fifth in the NFL, and Williams has played in all 11 games. So, when you compare his total to those who’ve played similar snaps to him, he’s been one of the best in the NFL.
“I think he’s done a really good job of taking care of the football his year as well,” LaFleur said. “You’ve seen a ton of growth – probably as much as any quarterback in this league from Year 1 to Year 2.”
Williams’ growth has been aided plenty by his new, offensive-minded head coach, Ben Johnson. The two have developed a strong rapport that has led the Bears to their current position.
Chicago’s run game has also been a major factor in not only their success, but also in taking pressure off of Williams. The Bears rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing attempts and rushing yards, according to PFSN’s Offense Impact.
Williams’ numbers specifically aren’t the greatest this season, but that’s because the Bears’ offense has been much more balanced, which has led to success.
The Bears’ quarterback has only 2,722 passing yards this season, but he already has 17 touchdowns, which is just three fewer than he had all last year.
Williams is also averaging 11.8 yards per completion compared to his 10.1-yard average in 2024.
In his rookie season, Williams gashed the Packers’ defense for 70 yards on the ground in their first meeting. However, the Packers contained him to just 10 yards on three carries in their second meeting.
Green Bay will need to keep Williams in the pocket on Sunday and not allow him to extend plays, whether it be with his legs or off-schedule throws, if they want to take over first place in the NFC North.