It was another tough game for the Chicago Bears, this time against the powerhouse Detroit Lions. The first half was brutal offensively as they failed to crack even 80 yards. Quarterback Caleb Williams, however, again did not succumb to the pressure. He kept his composure and continued shooting. Along the way, he inched closer to an NFL record that no one ever thought possible for a Bears quarterback. Then, in the third quarter, it happened. Williams threw 212 consecutive passes without an interception, breaking Kyler Murray’s record of 211 from 2019.

What makes it even better is how it happened. Williams broke it on a 31-yard touchdown to Keenan Allen to finally get the Bears on the board. It also claimed the franchise record for most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback (12), previously held by Charlie O’Rourke with 11.

Caleb Williams has everything it takes to be a franchise quarterback.

He is athletic, accurate, tough and resilient and manages to protect the football without being too careful. Previous names like Justin Fields, Mitch Trubisky, Jay Cutler and Rex Grossman never seemed to avoid at least one costly turnover per week. Caleb Williams isn’t immune to mistakes, but it’s clear he has a natural instinct to avoid them. That could come from years of watching Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback he grew up watching. This may not have helped the Bears overcome shortcomings elsewhere in 2024, but it can’t be argued that Williams is legit.

He needs more consistent protection and a coaching staff that can put him in the best position to succeed. If the Bears play their cards right this season, both problems can be solved in one fell swoop.