Bears’ Williams Ready for High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

The Chicago Bears, led by head coach Ben Johnson, are gearing up for a critical wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field this Saturday. Johnson, who has accumulated valuable postseason experience as the former offensive coordinator for the 2024 Detroit Lions, is confident in his quarterback, Caleb Williams, despite the latter’s relative inexperience in high-pressure situations.

Williams Shows Growth Ahead of Playoff Clash

As the Bears prepare for their matchup, Johnson emphasizes the transformation he has witnessed in Williams throughout the season. “He’s a completely different quarterback than when we first took this job,” Johnson stated. The head coach noted the struggles the team faced earlier in the season but expressed optimism about their progress, particularly in the latter part of the year. “I’m encouraged for where he’s at right now,” Johnson added.

Williams finished the 2025 NFL season with impressive statistics, throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 90.1. Although he fell short of becoming the first Bears quarterback to surpass 4,000 yards in a season, he remains optimistic about his growth and performance. “I feel that I’ve grown tremendously this year, and it’s exciting to see,” said Williams. He highlighted that breaking the single-season passing record reflects his development and confidence.

Late-Game Heroics and a Historic Opportunity

One of Williams’ standout performances came during a December 20 game against the Packers, where he orchestrated a stunning comeback. Trailing in the final two minutes, he connected with wide receiver DJ Moore for a 46-yard game-winning touchdown, securing a 22-16 overtime victory. This win not only added to the Bears’ total of 11 victories this season but also set the stage for a historic opportunity. If the Bears defeat the Packers again, Williams will become the first Chicago quarterback since Jim Harbaugh in 1991 to achieve two wins against Green Bay in a single season, including the playoffs.

Johnson has stressed the importance of a strong offensive start in the upcoming game. Yet, he remains confident that Williams will deliver when it counts, stating, “He was built for these moments.” Williams echoed this sentiment, expressing his readiness to contribute in any way necessary. “I think I am built for these moments, mentality-wise,” he remarked. His commitment to energizing the team and providing a spark reflects his understanding of the stakes at hand.

As the Bears approach this pivotal playoff encounter, both Williams and Johnson are keenly aware of the significance of their performance. With the weight of history on their shoulders, the team aims to channel their confidence and skills into a successful outing against their long-time rivals.