It’s been a while since everything about the Bears looked like it was pointed the right direction. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is developing, and after routing the Jaguars 35-16 in London on Sunday, the Bears are 4-2 for the first time since 2020.
This is different, though. They already looked shaky that year, and the plunge seemed inevitable. This is a team — and quarterback, crucially — on the rise. There’s anticipation, not dread, for where this is headed.
Some teams show up for international games out of rhythm and unfocused, but the Bears looked sharp. Here are three key points on where they stand:
Williams bounces back
The game started slowly with two three-and-outs, and Williams missed a chance to bury the Jaguars early when he threw an interception in the second quarter. From there, he led the Bears to four touchdowns and a 43-yard field-goal try (a miss) in five possessions. His last three games have been efficient and impressive.
Defense dominates
With three starting defensive backs injured, the Bears never let the Jaguars offense gain traction. They allowed just 3.4 yards per carry, sacked Trevor Lawrence three times and got two takeaways. They’ve held their opponent under 20 points in 5 of 6 games.
Huge game next
One of the best matchups on the Bears’ schedule awaits them after the bye week: an Oct. 27 visit to the Commanders that pits Williams, the No. 1 pick in the draft, against No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels in Williams’ hometown. Daniels played a terrific game Sunday despite losing to the Ravens and is the leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.