Williams Laser-Focused After Breakout Game
Rather than dwell on his recent vacation to Paris and Monaco, Caleb Williams, the top pick in this year’s draft, made it clear that football is his priority. “Let’s get back to ball,” the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner remarked as the Bears (3-2) prepared to continue their momentum.Williams’ best game of the season came in last week’s 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. The rookie completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards, connecting for two touchdowns with wide receiver DJ Moore while avoiding interceptions. His 126.2 passer rating was the highest by a Bears rookie since Jim McMahon’s 121.1 in 1982.Bears Eye Favorable Matchup Against Jaguars’ Weak Defense
This week, Williams has another great opportunity, taking on Jacksonville’s vulnerable defense. The Jaguars (1-4) rank 31st in total defense and have struggled mightily against the pass. A victory would allow the Bears to enter their bye week at 4-2, putting them in a strong position to end their postseason drought after finishing under .500 in the last four seasons.The Jaguars, meanwhile, will look to build off their first win of the season, a 37-34 shootout against the Colts. Head coach Doug Pederson hopes Jacksonville’s extensive experience playing in London will work in their favor.Chicago’s Defense Maintaining the Pressure
While Williams has made headlines, Chicago’s defense has been a driving force. The unit has held opponents to 21 points or fewer in 11 straight games—the longest active streak in the league—and currently ranks seventh overall and sixth against the pass. With 11 takeaways so far this season, the Bears are third in the NFL, trailing only Green Bay and Minnesota.“Opportunities come when you keep the pressure on,” Williams said, acknowledging the support from Chicago’s defense. “We’ve been able to take advantage of those moments."Swift Heating Up at the Right Time
Bears running back D'Andre Swift has turned his season around after a slow start. Over the last two games, Swift has totaled 285 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard rushing performance with a score in the victory over Carolina. The former Pro Bowler, who joined Chicago in March after a standout year with the Eagles, expressed confidence in his recent form.“It feels great to find my rhythm,” Swift said. “I’m ready to keep this momentum going.”Jaguars Search for Defensive Identity
Despite featuring capable pass rushers such as Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and Arik Armstead, Jacksonville’s defense has struggled. They are one of three teams without an interception this season and have given up an opening-drive touchdown in four consecutive games."We have the tools to turn it around," Hines-Allen insisted. "It’s about executing from the start and not playing catch-up."Different Travel Strategies for Overseas Game
Both teams have taken contrasting approaches to their travel plans for London. The Bears departed on Monday to give their players more time to recover from jet lag. Jacksonville, however, stuck with their routine of traveling on Thursday—something they’ve perfected after playing 12 games in London since 2013.Unlike last year, the Jaguars won’t change hotels between games, making their stay in London smoother. They will remain in the UK to face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium next week.A Pivotal Game for Both Teams
As the Bears aim for their first three-game winning streak since 2020, they are hungry to maintain momentum heading into the bye week. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are determined to find consistency after an erratic start. With each team eager to seize control of their season, this London showdown promises to be a key moment for both franchises.
Rather than dwell on his recent vacation to Paris and Monaco, Caleb Williams, the top pick in this year’s draft, made it clear that football is his priority. “Let’s get back to ball,” the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner remarked as the Bears (3-2) prepared to continue their momentum.Williams’ best game of the season came in last week’s 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. The rookie completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards, connecting for two touchdowns with wide receiver DJ Moore while avoiding interceptions. His 126.2 passer rating was the highest by a Bears rookie since Jim McMahon’s 121.1 in 1982.Bears Eye Favorable Matchup Against Jaguars’ Weak Defense
This week, Williams has another great opportunity, taking on Jacksonville’s vulnerable defense. The Jaguars (1-4) rank 31st in total defense and have struggled mightily against the pass. A victory would allow the Bears to enter their bye week at 4-2, putting them in a strong position to end their postseason drought after finishing under .500 in the last four seasons.The Jaguars, meanwhile, will look to build off their first win of the season, a 37-34 shootout against the Colts. Head coach Doug Pederson hopes Jacksonville’s extensive experience playing in London will work in their favor.Chicago’s Defense Maintaining the Pressure
While Williams has made headlines, Chicago’s defense has been a driving force. The unit has held opponents to 21 points or fewer in 11 straight games—the longest active streak in the league—and currently ranks seventh overall and sixth against the pass. With 11 takeaways so far this season, the Bears are third in the NFL, trailing only Green Bay and Minnesota.“Opportunities come when you keep the pressure on,” Williams said, acknowledging the support from Chicago’s defense. “We’ve been able to take advantage of those moments."Swift Heating Up at the Right Time
Bears running back D'Andre Swift has turned his season around after a slow start. Over the last two games, Swift has totaled 285 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard rushing performance with a score in the victory over Carolina. The former Pro Bowler, who joined Chicago in March after a standout year with the Eagles, expressed confidence in his recent form.“It feels great to find my rhythm,” Swift said. “I’m ready to keep this momentum going.”Jaguars Search for Defensive Identity
Despite featuring capable pass rushers such as Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and Arik Armstead, Jacksonville’s defense has struggled. They are one of three teams without an interception this season and have given up an opening-drive touchdown in four consecutive games."We have the tools to turn it around," Hines-Allen insisted. "It’s about executing from the start and not playing catch-up."Different Travel Strategies for Overseas Game
Both teams have taken contrasting approaches to their travel plans for London. The Bears departed on Monday to give their players more time to recover from jet lag. Jacksonville, however, stuck with their routine of traveling on Thursday—something they’ve perfected after playing 12 games in London since 2013.Unlike last year, the Jaguars won’t change hotels between games, making their stay in London smoother. They will remain in the UK to face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium next week.A Pivotal Game for Both Teams
As the Bears aim for their first three-game winning streak since 2020, they are hungry to maintain momentum heading into the bye week. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are determined to find consistency after an erratic start. With each team eager to seize control of their season, this London showdown promises to be a key moment for both franchises.