As the Chicago Bears continue to move forward after a gritty Week 1 win, a much tougher opponent awaits on Sunday Night Football. It'll be Caleb Williams versus C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans in prime time.
All offseason long, there have been countless comparisons and conversations in regards to Stroud's rookie season and Williams' own. Bears fans would love if Williams' rookie year ended the way Stroud's did, but that's not necessarily a realistic wish.
Rookies will struggle, although it's a long season. After just one game, Williams has plenty of time to improve and show why he was the no. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.
As for Stroud? The Texans starting quarterback was asked this week about what kind of advice he'd give to the Bears rookie who is now in similar shoes as he was last year.
"What advice would you give to a guy like Caleb?" a media member asked.
Stroud responded in a calm manner just as he typically does, but the response spoke volumes.
C.J. Stroud gave some words of wisdom to Caleb Williams before they meet on Sunday Night Football. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/pa7NWUZdtC
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 12, 2024
"Just be yourself. Be yourself and understand whatever got you here is just good enough," Stroud said.
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Stroud understands the high expectations after being the no. 2 overall pick last year, and he's been able to relish those expectations while remaining true to himself, believing in his abilities that got him this far.
"You don't gotta be a superhero. You don't gotta try to make all the plays. Sometimes, the boring plays are good," Stroud continued.
C.J. Stroud's advice is exactly what Caleb Williams needs to practice
For Williams, these are excellent words of wisdom. Top picks like these guys can tend to want to play hero ball at times. It's only natural to competitors like Stroud and Williams. But, Stroud's advice is wise. Williams needs to understand what got him here, settle down a little bit and just be himself on the field.
If he does that, it'll pay off.
Williams has dealt with pressure and criticism his entire football career, so this past week is nothing new to him. He's been asked countless times about his Notre Dame game back at USC; also known as his worst collegiate game.
Williams always responds respectfully and notes that it was only one game. That "next game" mentality is going to pay off for him, as will continuing to believe in the talent and hard work that got him to the NFL.
A lot of it sounds cliché, but Stroud isn't wrong. His advice was not only correct, but very sincere and heartfelt.
Something tells me we're going to see a much different version of Williams in Week 2, even though the opponent is even tougher.
Buckle up, this is going to be a good one.