Bears' Williams credits OC change, time for improved play

For Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, it's no mystery why he's seemingly turned a corner in recent weeks.

"The time on task has helped," Williams said, according to Chicago Sun Times' Jason Lieser. "You can't ever beat that. That has provided a sense of clarity, a sense of belief, and things like that."

Williams produced two of his best performances in Weeks 11 and 12. He helped the Bears' offense generate 391 total yards and 23 first downs in a narrow 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers, then followed that up with 340 yards, two touchdowns, zero turnovers, and a 68% completion rate against a stout Minnesota Vikings defense.

Williams also acknowledged that it's no coincidence his improved play has come after Chicago replaced offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with Thomas Brown.

"(Brown) just allows you to play free," the 2024 first overall pick said earlier this week.

Chicago fired Waldron earlier this month after the offense failed to score a touchdown in three straight weeks against the Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots.

Wideout DJ Moore is also seeing a difference with Brown running the offense.

"The plays that we got stacked on top of each other have been better," he said, according to team reporter Larry Mayer. "The flow of the game has been better. I know it's a collaboration that's going on between him and all our offensive coaches, so that's been good."

Williams has accumulated 2,356 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, five interceptions, and an 84.9 quarterback rating overall this season.

The 4-7 Bears will attempt to snap a five-game losing streak against the division-leading Detroit Lions on Thursday at Ford Field.