Bears QB Caleb Williams Faces Criticism After Week 1 Loss to Vikings

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams showed a promising start in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, completing his first 10 passes and scoring his first career rushing touchdown, which drew praise from NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. However, his performance declined sharply in the second half as Vikings' defensive adjustments disrupted his rhythm, resulting in multiple missed throws and a loss of offensive momentum. The Bears squandered a 17–6 lead, ultimately losing 27–24 after conceding 21 points in the fourth quarter, leading to criticism from analysts and fans questioning Williams’ ability to lead the franchise. NFL analyst Bryant McFadden and fans highlighted Williams' inconsistency and lack of growth, with some calling his performance underwhelming against a rookie opposing quarterback. FOX Sports analyst Charles Woodson predicted early struggles for Williams adapting to new head coach Ben Johnson’s complex offense but expects improvement once he acclimates. Williams himself acknowledged the team lost focus and needs to finish games, raising concerns about the Bears’ discipline and culture under Johnson.