Former USC Trojans star Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears traveled to Landover, Maryland to face a fellow rookie. Jayden Daniels and commanders in Washington. The rookie quarterbacks were the first two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft and have made a quick transition to the league. Due to the growing anticipation following their stellar play, the game was turned into the national game of the week slot.

After Williams drove Chicago Bears to take a 15-12 lead with less than thirty seconds left, Daniels responded in the most improbable way imaginable. The game ended with a great great of Commanders from Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels to wide receiver Noah Brown as time expired, and the Commanders won 18-15.

On an evening that was supposed to be a showcase for two of the budding young defenders of the National Football Leaguethe defenses of both franchises rose to the occasion and turned the game into trench warfare. Points were hard to come by in this game, and as much as people would love to put it down to an off day of rookie quarterbacks, what they did is more the result of two very talented defenses operating at full capacity.

Former The USC Trojans star Caleb Williams struggled in this match from the opening whistle. After what was his best game as a pro in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was followed by the worst performance of his young career. Williams sailed a few laps early and never got back on the pace from there. The biggest thing was the Commander’s pass rush which dominated for three and a half quarters.

Williams had 36 yards passing entering the fourth quarter, but what’s important to note is that he never made a bad mistake. He never threw an untimely interception. He never tried to be Superman and had a premature failure. He took lumps, and with the defense playing as well as they did, the Bears had another chance. Here Williams showed his best.

Up 12-7, Williams led the Bears offense down the field twice, making pitch after pitch and a few runs sprinkled in to keep the chains moving. Pocket awareness was displayed; flashed arm angles and game-enhancing ability to extend plays and complete passes down the field. On a day where he struggled mightily behind poor pass protection and questionable play calling, he never broke.

Williams may have lost the fight against Daniels today, but he continues to add to a foundation of traits that will pay off over time. The pairings weren’t exactly what was expected, but the drama was plentiful in the end. Williams will be fine.