Watch: Texans defender throws punch in scuffle vs. Bears

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams directs the offense against the Houston Texans Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Watch: Texans defender throws punch in scuffle following late hit on Bears QB Caleb Williams

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Sep 15, 2024 11:45 PM ET

Chicago Bears quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams survived a hard hit late in the third quarter against the Houston Texans on "Sunday Night Football," leading tempers to flare and punches to be thrown.

With 7:12 left in the third quarter and the Bears driving, down 16-10, Williams scrambled on first-and-15, pulling up short of the sidelines before being nailed by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The rookie quarterback's teammates didn't take too kindly to the contact and chaos ensued.

The hit occurred along the Bears' sidelines, so Al-Shaair was quickly surrounded before being joined by his defensive mates. However, the linebacker was the primary aggressor, squaring up with multiple players before landing a clean punch on Chicago running back Roschon Johnson.

Azeez Al-Shaair throws a punch at Roschon Johnson after the play.

No flag was called.

(via @SNFonNBC) pic.twitter.com/JCoO8szfwM
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 16, 2024

Al-Shaair didn't face a penalty for the punch as officials didn't see it and curiously, video review can't make a judgment after the fact in that situation. But, the 27-year-old can count on receiving a call from the league office on Monday.

It's been a rough night for Williams, who also struggled in his Week 1 debut. The Texans' defense made it a mission to attack a leaky Bears' offensive line, harassing the rookie signal-caller throughout the night.

Williams was averaging only 4.7 YPA entering the fourth quarter, throwing for 122 yards (19-of-26). He has faced seven hits, been sacked four times and thrown three interceptions, one of which a defensive penalty wiped out.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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