Well, that was quite the way to lose.
But, Chicago Bears fans are used to this type of storybook ending by now, right? We've seen this countless times.
The Bears have a fourth quarter lead, with a little momentum and a glimmer of hope, and then the Packers snatch that hope from beneath Chicago and come away with a win. It's truly a story almost as old as time.
For the Bears to lose on a blocked field goal, as time expired, was just another chapter of heartbreak for this fan base. And, after the game, quarterback Caleb Williams was asked about the heartbreaking play.
Many want to know how this could ever happen; it's borderline inexcusable. But, Williams took it all in stride.
Caleb Williams on the Bears’ missed game-winning field goal: “I’d put those guys back on the field and do it all over if we had to. I believe in those guys.”
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 17, 2024
To expand just a bit, not every rookie quarterback would be able to answer this question in such an eloquent way. Not only that, but once again, Williams dismissed any critics who had directed their criticism towards a so-called "selfish" or "cry baby" type of attitude (which Williams has proven not to be true, thus far).
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To think that his gut reaction to the blocked field goal was to immediately talk about how he supports his teammates and coaches simply proves that he is as selfless as they come.
If Williams hasn't proved to be the exact opposite of what his critics said he was prior to being drafted, by now, I'm not sure what else he needs to do.
This is all aside from the fact that the Packers thought they saw something on film which made the Bears vulnerable to a field goal block, but that's an entirely different conversation. Williams showed his belief in the team, and that's what matters here.
Caleb Williams' reaction to heartbreaking loss proves Bears have found their QB
Listening to Williams talk about the loss in such a professional way should give Bears fans even more faith in the fact that he is, indeed, the franchise quarterback. Say what you want about his struggles this year, but he proved, once again, he is the right man for the job.
Coaching is going to change. It's going to be inconsistent. Personnel is going to be inconsistent. But, Williams' leadership and mentality is right where it needs to be. This is the type of quarterback Bears fans have been longing for.
And, in his first game under a brand-new play-caller, Williams flourished. He took a lot more of the easy completions and used his legs more regularly when he needed to, going for 70 yards on the ground.
However, later in the game, Williams might have had two or three of his best throws on that final drive. He stepped up when it mattered most. He delivered when it mattered most. That's what Bears fans want to see out of their franchise quarterback.
It's sad to say that this might be a lost season (and it might need to be if we have any hope for a coaching change) but, just one more season like this is hopefully all fans will have to endure. With Williams under center and, hopefully the right coaching staff next year, this team might finally take some serious steps.