The 4-12 Chicago Bears season will thankfully come to an end after Sunday’s matchup with the 11-5 Green Bay Packers. As cornerback Jaylon Johnson said Wednesday, the Bears are playing for pride, as the uncompetitive team has lost 10 games in a row before Week 18.
Quarterback Caleb Williams will have an opportunity to start in his 17th game as an NFL quarterback. The rookie has thrown for 3,393 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has rushed for 479 yards.
Caleb Williams has taken 67 sacks in 2024
Williams has taken a lot of hits in 2024, being sacked 67 times (the Bers lead the NFL in sacks allowed). Williams has been to blame for many of the sacks, as he’s been indecisive at times, holding the ball too long to try and make a play instead of throwing the ball to a receiver or out of play.
However, the Bears pass protection has left a lot to be desired. With numerous injuries on the offensive line, some fans would like to see Williams rest against the Packers instead of risking an injury.
Should the Chicago Bears start Williams against the Packers?
In an answer to a fan’s question as to why Williams would play on Sunday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained why the Bears would play Williams despite the risk for 2025 in a meaningless game against the Packers.
“A couple of folks wondered about this, and while the Bears’ quarterback woes are extreme, this is a mighty fatalistic view,” Biggs wrote. “It’s a no-brainer in my mind for Williams and all of the other frontline players to play. One thing that has stood out about Williams’ rookie season is the way he has attacked every week with a positive mindset. There’s something to be said for starting all 17 games, and I have no doubt that is something Williams will be proud of when the season is over.”
Winning teams play their starters
Biggs noted that other teams with winning cultures play their starters in meaningless games, even when they have more to play for later in the season. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell played the starters on his shorthanded team against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night despite ultimately needing a win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18 to determine playoff seeding and the NFC North title.
“I suggest you look at what Dan Campbell did Monday night at San Francisco in a game that had no factor in the Detroit Lions’ pursuit of the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the NFC playoffs,” Biggs wrote. “He played quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and all of the Lions’ other top talent. Campbell attacked the game against the 49ers with a winning mindset.”
The Bears don’t have a winning mindset yet. Sitting Williams isn’t a good way to get there.
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