The Houston Texans delivered a statement win this past Sunday, suffocating the Chicago Bears with an impressive defensive performance. Recording a staggering 11 quarterback hits, the Texans’ defense made life difficult for Bears rookie quarterback, Zach Williams, who has yet to find his footing in the NFL.
While Williams showed some promise on the ground, carrying the ball five times for a team-high 44 yards, it was clear he was more focused on avoiding unnecessary punishment. Several of his runs ended with slides, a smart move by the young quarterback to minimize the hits he endured in the pocket. However, his passing game remains a significant concern, as Williams completed just 23-of-37 passes for 174 yards, with no touchdowns and two costly interceptions.
These interceptions were the first of Williams’ young career, and while they were undoubtedly disheartening, they were not entirely unexpected for a rookie quarterback still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. His completion percentage through two starts sits at just 56.1%, and despite a slight improvement from his 93-yard performance in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, there’s clearly a long way to go.
Sunday’s loss against the Texans underscores the growing pains many rookie quarterbacks face when entering the league. The Bears had hoped for more immediate success with Williams, especially after an offseason filled with optimism. However, the challenges of the NFL have quickly become apparent. Williams’ ability to adapt and improve will determine how quickly he can turn things around for Chicago.
### Learning From Stroud’s Journey
The good news for Williams and the Bears is that improvement is not only possible—it’s expected. A perfect example of this comes from the very player who was on the other side of the field: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud’s rookie year in the NFL wasn’t without its rough patches. In fact, he lost the first two starts of his career, both by double digits, and suffered 11 sacks during those games. At that point, some critics doubted whether Stroud would be able to handle the pressures of the professional game. Yet, as the season progressed, Stroud found his rhythm. By the end of his rookie campaign, he had passed for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, with a remarkable 100.8 passer rating. His performance helped guide the Texans to a 10-7 record and a postseason appearance, where they secured a victory before bowing out in the divisional round.
Stroud’s journey is a clear reminder that success for rookie quarterbacks rarely comes overnight. The early stages of a quarterback’s career are often marked by growing pains, but for those who persevere and learn from their mistakes, greatness can be within reach. The key for Williams now will be his ability to learn from his struggles and make the necessary adjustments.
### Bears’ Path Forward
Williams and the Bears undoubtedly have their work cut out for them. The team, which had high hopes heading into the season, is now facing tough questions after two inconsistent offensive showings. Their victory against the Titans in Week 1 was primarily a result of their defense and special teams, as Williams managed just 93 passing yards. While Sunday’s performance against the Texans showed incremental improvement, the lack of offensive production and Williams’ turnovers cost them the game.
There are still positives to build on, especially Williams’ mobility and decision-making in the run game. His ability to pick up 44 rushing yards and avoid unnecessary hits by sliding demonstrates a level of maturity beyond his years. However, Williams and the Bears coaching staff must now focus on developing his passing game. To succeed in today’s NFL, a quarterback needs to be able to threaten defenses through the air consistently.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Williams. It’s likely that the Bears will continue to experience some growing pains, but with the right adjustments and a focus on his development, Williams has the potential to turn things around, much like Stroud did with the Texans. The pressure is on, but with patience and perseverance, Williams could still lead the Bears to a promising future.
In the meantime, Chicago’s defense will need to continue stepping up to keep the team competitive while their young quarterback finds his groove. Sunday’s loss to Houston was a tough one, but if Williams can follow in the footsteps of quarterbacks like Stroud, the Bears’ future remains bright.
