Caleb Williams Breaks Rodgers Record and Enters MVP Race Despite Missed Games

Key points

• Williams completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions against Seattle.
• He set a new NFL record with 36 consecutive games featuring at least 20 pass attempts and one or fewer interceptions, breaking Aaron Rodgers' record of 35.
• Williams is the first quarterback to surpass 200 passing yards against Seattle this season, a defense that previously held Patrick Mahomes to 165 yards.
• Despite missing three games, Williams is ranked among the top MVP candidates, with odds at 5-1 behind Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, and Joe Burrow.
• The Bears' offense, led by Ben Johnson, is credited for creating space and utilizing play-action effectively, boosting Williams' efficiency.

Background

Williams had previously returned from a three-game hamstring absence in Week 6, showcasing strong efficiency. In Week 5, he joined Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson as the only quarterbacks to throw 50 career touchdowns with 14 or fewer interceptions. His absence in Week 4 led to a Bears loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting the impact of his return.

How outlets are covering it

NFL.com emphasizes Williams' historical challenge for the MVP award due to missed games, noting only Joe Montana has won the award after missing three games since 1970. NBC Sports declares Williams a top-tier quarterback, placing him alongside Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow, and highlights his 5-1 odds for the MVP. Sports Illustrated focuses on his new record for consecutive games with limited interceptions and his ability to dismantle elite defenses, suggesting he is a franchise quarterback. All sources agree on his strong performance against Seattle but differ on the emphasis: NFL.com on historical precedent, NBC on elite status, and SI on record-breaking consistency.

Why it matters

Williams' performance against Seattle's top-ranked defense signals his potential to overcome historical hurdles for the MVP award. His efficiency and the Bears' offensive strength position them as contenders for the NFC's top seed. His record-breaking consistency in avoiding interceptions while maintaining high volume underscores his development as a franchise quarterback.

What to watch

The Bears will continue their season with Williams leading the offense, aiming to secure the NFC's top seed. Williams' MVP odds may improve if he maintains his efficiency and the Bears' defense improves. The team will also look to integrate returning players like Kyle Monangai to balance the offense.