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Williams struggles in second NFL game as Bears lose to Texans

HOUSTON (AP) — Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense were saved by a scoring defense and special teams team to earn a win over Tennessee in their season opener last week.

The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft had less luck on Sunday night against the Houston Texans.

Williams was 23 of 37 for 174 yards with two interceptions in a 19-13 lossHe was fired seven times.

He was asked what bothered him most about the evening.

“Not winning, not executing when we needed to as a team,” Williams said. “Me, throwing two interceptions. That’s not something I’ve done or am doing. I think those are the things I’m most frustrated about. We didn’t execute the way we needed to. We’re going to keep getting better. 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 they overcame a 17-point deficit to win 24-17 thanks to a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown and an interception that set up another score.

On Sunday night, Williams struggled as he was under heavy pressure for most of the evening. The Bears scored their first offensive touchdown of the season on a 2-yard run from Khalil Herbert just before halftime, cutting Houston’s lead to 13-10.

But the Bears managed just one field goal the rest of the game, as Williams made both interceptions after halftime, helping Houston secure the win.

“He was able to avoid the rush and get to the perimeter a couple of times, but he’s got to be careful with the ball when he’s out there,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “So, there were some great learning moments for him.”

While much of the criticism of Chicago’s offensive struggles has fallen on Williams, Eberflus was quick to point out that the rest of the team needs to help him more. He was disappointed that his team had just 71 yards rushing.

“I think everybody needs protection — the tight ends, the offensive line, the runners, the quarterback, everybody involved,” he said. “And obviously we’ve got to do a better job running the ball than we did. We’ve got to establish the running game better than we did, because it’s always a good friend for a young quarterback if you can do that.”

Williams and Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, chatted briefly after the game. Last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year shared what he told Williams.

“Everything that got you here will take care of you in the long run,” Stroud told Williams. “Don’t let your head hang, don’t let a tough time get you down. It’s not going to be easy, but you’re picked No. 1 for a reason, because they have confidence in you and believe in you. I definitely think he’s going to get better as he goes along.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL